Safe to say

[LucyGrey]

Please could someone clarify something for me?

Has the phrase "safe to say" evolved from "suffice it to say" or is it just a difference phrase?

It always annoys me when I see it and I'm not sure why!

I don't think I've ever heard "safe to say"!

I think you're right op, although "safe to say" is a phrase in its own right. Like "it's three hours past the start, I think it's safe to say she's not going to turn up".

Thank you! That's what I mean, it makes sense in its own right but when it's used where "suffice it to say" would also work, it annoys me!