# err on the side of

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/err-on-the-side-of
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- I always err on the side of caution when I travel.
- When you are unsure about the dress code, it is better to err on the side of being too formal.
- The committee decided to err on the side of transparency, releasing all internal documents to the public to ensure complete trust in their decision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.