ENGLISH
REFERENCE

err on the side of

idiom
Meaning

To behave in a manner which favours or which is biased toward.


Examples
SIMPLE

I always err on the side of caution when I travel.

CONTEXTUAL

When you are unsure about the dress code, it is better to err on the side of being too formal.

COMPLEX

The committee decided to err on the side of transparency, releasing all internal documents to the public to ensure complete trust in their decision.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bright side

    A consoling aspect of a difficult situation.

  2. 02

    err on the side of caution

    To act in the least risky manner in a situation in which one is uncertain about the consequences.

  3. 03

    get out of bed on the wrong side

    To start the day in a bad mood for no apparent reason.

  4. 04

    get up on the wrong side of the bed

    To feel irritable; to be in a bad mood; to have a bad day from the start, for no particular reason.

  5. 05

    have time on one's side

    To not be rushed; to have plenty of time to do something.

  6. 06

    know which side one's bread is buttered on

    To be aware of where one's interests lie in a situation.

  7. 07

    look on the bright side

    To examine a situation, usually unfavorable, from a positive perspective; to be cheerful or optimistic.

  8. 08

    look on the bright side of it

    To examine an aspect or facet of something in a positive view.

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