# give someone the benefit of the doubt

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-the-benefit-of-the-doubt
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

Trust what someone says

## Examples

- I give him the benefit of the doubt and believe his story.
- Even though he arrived late again, his boss decided to give him the benefit of the doubt because of the heavy rain.
- While the evidence against the witness was compelling, the jury chose to give her the benefit of the doubt, assuming her mistakes were honest errors rather than intentional lies.

## Origin

From legal tradition: where evidence leaves reasonable doubt, the accused should be acquitted; the phrase is attested in trial records from the late 18th century.

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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.