err on the side of
Choose the safer
To err on the side of something is to choose the safer or more cautious option when uncertain, accepting one type of risk to avoid another: When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
The phrase acknowledges that either choice might be wrong, but one error is preferable: I'd rather err on the side of generosity than seem stingy.
Careful, wise judgment
- safetyFreedom from harm
- carefulnessQuality of being thorough
- warinessCautious distrust
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
precaution · vigilance · circumspection · foresight · forethought · heedfulness · judiciousness · deliberation
Considerate, caring disposition
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- compassionConcern for others' distress
benevolence · charity · grace · magnanimity · indulgence · clemency · liberality · openhandedness
Lack of firm belief
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- humilityFreedom from arrogance
- tentativenessState of being uncertain
reservation · qualification · hedging · ambiguity · open-mindedness · agnosticism · questioning · second-guessing
prudence
Careful, wise judgment
- safetyFreedom from harm
- carefulnessQuality of being thorough
- warinessCautious distrust
discretion · precaution · vigilance · circumspection · foresight · forethought · heedfulness · judiciousness · deliberation · restraint
kindness
Considerate, caring disposition
- leniencyMildness in punishment
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
compassion · benevolence · charity · grace · magnanimity · indulgence · clemency · liberality · openhandedness · tolerance
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- humilityFreedom from arrogance
tentativeness · reservation · qualification · hedging · ambiguity · open-mindedness · agnosticism · questioning · second-guessing · reassessment
err on the side ofthrow caution to the wind
Act recklessly, disregarding consequences
take a risk · gamble · take a chance · take chances · roll the dice
err on the side ofgo all in
Wager everything available
put all one's eggs in one basket · burn one's bridges · hold nothing back · spare no expense · take the plunge
error, errs, erred, erring, errant, erratic, erroneous, erroneously, erratum