safe as houses

== English == === Etymology === Refererring to the investment value of property. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === safe as houses (not comparable) (simile) Very secure. 1808, William Milton, "Memorial", Appendix 6A to Third Report from the Committee on the Highways of the Kingdon, House of Commons papers In objection to this Coach, it is urged by the Coachmen that it looks heavy; and that they had rather break a leg now and then than drive such an ugly thing; but it regularly makes part of their sarcasm, that "It is as safe as a house" 1895, E. M. Stooke, Not Exactly, as cited in The English Dialect Dictionary: R-S, Volume 5, Joseph Wright, editor, 1904 Yes'ir, I'm saved as safe as houses === References ===