verb phrase🎓 English idiom

give the benefit of the doubt

to trust someone despite uncertainty

What it means

To choose to believe or trust someone even though there is some reason to be uncertain. It means assuming the best of a person when the evidence isn't conclusive.

Examples

  • He was late again, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt this once.
  • Let's give the new supplier the benefit of the doubt before judging their work.
  • She gave her colleague the benefit of the doubt rather than assuming bad intent.
  • I gave him the benefit of the doubt, and he proved he deserved my trust.

Where it comes from

A phrase rooted in legal language, echoing the principle that doubt should be resolved in favour of the accused; in general use by the 19th century.

Related idioms

#take it with a grain of salt#turn a blind eye#don't judge a book by its cover#read between the lines

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