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
But manufacturing and magnifying doubt undercuts science’s ability to describe reality with precision and fealty, and undermines legislation that directs agencies to err on the side of protecting health and the environment.
—
David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
And where there is scientific uncertainty on an issue of potential human health dangers, officials should err on the side of caution.
—Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Always err on the side of caution and call your vet straight away.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Some people may never feel the effects, but flight attendants who’ve seen the tanks up close tend to err on the side of caution.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for err on the side of
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.
David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
And where there is scientific uncertainty on an issue of potential human health dangers, officials should err on the side of caution.
—Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Always err on the side of caution and call your vet straight away.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Some people may never feel the effects, but flight attendants who’ve seen the tanks up close tend to err on the side of caution.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share