English Dictionary

safety valve

noun

A relief valve set to open at a pressure below that at which a container (such as a boiler) would burst. / (figuratively) Any mechanism offering relief from pressure or tension, e.g. emotionally.

The safety valve is an important component of the machine.

意味（1）

A relief valve set to open at a pressure below that at which a container (such as a boiler) would burst.

Spun glass mattresses are used for lagging the boiler, which has three Ross pop safety valves on the front ring.

意味（2）

(figuratively) Any mechanism offering relief from pressure or tension, e.g. emotionally.

意味（3）

(US, law) A United States law, codified at 18 USC §3553(f), authorizing a judge to disregard mandatory minimum sentences for some criminals with few or no prior offenses.

Hernández additionally requested that he be given a two-level safety-valve reduction pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5C1.2, which mitigates the harsh effect of mandatory minimum sentences on certain first-time offenders who played only supporting roles in drug-trafficking schemes and who provided testimony about their involvement in the criminal activity.