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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

If in doubt, err on the side of caution and dispose of the item. —

Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 In trying to find the right balance, many err on the side of overspending. —

Becca Stanek, theweek, 13 Dec. 2024 While teams typically err on the side of caution with hamstring injuries, the Eagles' playoff push may influence their decision to rest Smith for another week at a critical juncture in the season. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024 When unconventional/hazardous driving conditions are detected, ADAS software will err on the side of caution and more often than not disengage. —

Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for err on the side of

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“Err on the side of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/err%20on%20the%20side%20of. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

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