err on the side of
idiom
: to use or show more of (something) than may be needed so that one can be sure that he or she is using or showing enough of it
It's better to err on the side of generosity than to appear too stingy.
We chose to err on the side of caution when planning our investments.
Examples of err on the side of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Meta will err on the side of leaving up content that does not violate the law or otherwise foster offline harm, and loosen speech restraints on political subjects including immigration and gender identity.
—
Suzanne Nossel, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025
So Patel says if concerned, parents could err on the side of caution and consider limiting kids' outdoor activity time.
—Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
With a far more important game next weekend, will the Packers err on the side of caution with rehabbing players?
—Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
There was a debate in the dressing room over whether to risk playing the Brazilian regardless of the issue, but it was decided to err on the side of caution.
—Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for err on the side of 
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Suzanne Nossel, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025
So Patel says if concerned, parents could err on the side of caution and consider limiting kids' outdoor activity time.
—Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
With a far more important game next weekend, will the Packers err on the side of caution with rehabbing players?
—Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025
There was a debate in the dressing room over whether to risk playing the Brazilian regardless of the issue, but it was decided to err on the side of caution.
—Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for err on the side of
Dictionary Entries Near err on the side of
Cite this Entry
“Err on the side of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/err%20on%20the%20side%20of. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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