Idiom Breakdown

err on the side of caution

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Definition

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

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In Context

"They are all zealous to the last degree in support of the extreme policy. . . . They certainly will not err on the side of caution."
"In any uncertain situation, government tends to err on the side of caution and delay."
"But many savers are more concerned with the safety of their deposits and are even spreading their money over several institutions to err on the side of caution."

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See Also

abundance of caution
better safe than sorry
err on the side of
give the benefit of the doubt
on the safe side