back-up plan

(noun) a plan in case something bad happens

Example Sentences:

A: I want to go to Harvard University to study medicine.
B: Do you have a back-up plan in case you don’t get in?
A: Yeah, I’m going to be a singer instead.

Father: What do you want to do when you grow up, son?
Son: I want to play guitar in a band and become famous.
Father: That’s very difficult. Do you have a back-up plan?
Son: Yeah, I want to marry a rich old woman!

The family made plans to go to Mexico, but had a back-up plan in case they had to cancel their vacation.

Similar idioms:

1. plan B
2. money doesn’t grow on trees
3. give someone the go ahead
4. get through
5. play it by ear
6. like father, like son
7. kick something around
8. pick up the check
9. take up
10. give someone the green light
11. pick up the tab
12. like herding cats