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
There is a mechanism to ensure that borderline plays are assessed — referees can err on the side of caution and call a major penalty in the moment to review the play.
—
Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
People also get booster shots for tetanus because antibody levels against the bacteria wane over time and if someone has a high-risk exposure—such as stepping on a rusty nail—doctors err on the side of vaccinating them afterward, Jhaveri says.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Again, consider the ever-expanding palette that the bride may be playing with—and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
—Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Given Trump's promises on immigration, once again, officials could face pressures to err on the side of deportations.
—Rebecca Brenner Graham / Made By History, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for err on the side of
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Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
People also get booster shots for tetanus because antibody levels against the bacteria wane over time and if someone has a high-risk exposure—such as stepping on a rusty nail—doctors err on the side of vaccinating them afterward, Jhaveri says.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Again, consider the ever-expanding palette that the bride may be playing with—and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
—Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Given Trump's promises on immigration, once again, officials could face pressures to err on the side of deportations.
—Rebecca Brenner Graham / Made By History, TIME, 4 Mar. 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 2 Jul. 2025.
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