the benefit of the doubt
Definition of the benefit of the doubt
: the state of accepting something/someone as honest or deserving of trust even though there are doubts He might be lying, but we have to give him the benefit of the doubt and accept what he says for now.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
: an act of kindness : benefaction
: something that produces good or helpful results or effects or that promotes well-being : advantage
: useful aid : help
: to be useful or profitable to
: to receive help or an advantage : to receive benefit
: fear
: suspect
: to call into question the truth of : to be uncertain or in doubt about
: uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making
: a deliberate suspension of judgment
: a state of affairs giving rise to uncertainty, hesitation, or suspense
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