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give the benefit of the doubt

to trust someone despite doubts

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to believe that someone is telling the truth or has good intentions, even though you are not completely sure; to assume the best about someone rather than the worst

Examples

• I know he's late often, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt this time and assume there was traffic.

How to use give the benefit of the doubt

This idiom is used when deciding whether to trust someone or accept their explanation despite having doubts or incomplete information. It reflects a generous, fair-minded approach to interpreting others' actions or words, and is common in both formal and informal contexts like legal proceedings, personal relationships, and professional settings. The phrase emphasizes choosing optimism over skepticism.

Common phrases

• give someone the benefit of the doubt
• I'll give you the benefit of the doubt
• give them the benefit of the doubt
• deserve the benefit of the doubt
• give the benefit of the doubt initially

Synonyms

assume the best · trust someone's word · believe in good faith · extend grace · be charitable

Opposites

jump to conclusions · assume the worst · suspect foul play

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use the phrase as 'give the benefit of doubt' (omitting 'the' before 'doubt'), which is grammatically incorrect.

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

draw the line, face the music, get out of hand, hang in there, in the same boat, jump on the bandwagon

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained