err on the side of caution
English
Verb
- (idiomatic) To act in the least risky manner in a situation where one is uncertain about the consequences.
- 1867, "The Impeachment of the President—Probabilities and Possibilities," New York Times, 15 Jan., p. 4,
- They are all zealous to the last degree in support of the extreme policy. . . . They certainly will not err on the side of caution.
- 1976, James J. Kilpatrick, "Bureacracy Infects Drug Industry," St. Petersburg Independent/Washington Star Syndicate, 29 Oct., p. 23-A (retrieved 1 Oct. 2008),
- In any uncertain situation, government tends to err on the side of caution and delay.
- 2008, Kara Gammell, "Cash in on the high interest rates," The Telegraph (UK), 17 Sep. (retrieved 1 Oct. 2008),
- 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.
- 1867, "The Impeachment of the President—Probabilities and Possibilities," New York Times, 15 Jan., p. 4,
Translations
to act in the least risky manner