sure-thing boat

[unpakwon]

What's the meaning of the "sure-thing boat" in the following?

The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.

Does it refer to a boat which is afraid of going far in the ocean because of the fear of a storm or something?

Thank you.

[Barb_D]

No wonder you have trouble with this - it's an idiom mixed with a metaphor. There is no set phrase "the sure-thing boat."

But your understanding is basically correct. If you are are afraid of the possibilities of failure and only want a "sure thing" (something that is certain to happen), then you won't take risks, the same way that a boat that is afraid of the ocean won't venture from from the dock.

Does that help?

[not a teacher]

[unpakwon]

Yes. It's been a great help.

Thank you.