err on the side of

phrase

: 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

Add remaining meringue in 3 batches, gently folding with a rubber spatula after each addition until only a few streaks of meringue remain (err on the side of undermixing to keep the cake batter billowy). — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026

And even though this ailment isn't going to be season-ending, knee ailments tend to linger, and the team will likely err on the side of caution with him. — Ernesto Cova, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

Still, the prospect of such legislation is leading those building personal finance AI agents to err on the side of caution. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

When in doubt, err on the side of fresh—your skin will thank you. — Ciara Lucas, SELF, 18 Mar. 2026

Rhymes for err on the side of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove