Give somebody the benefit of the doubt

phrase

To believe someone's statement, without having proof.

She said she was late because her train was delayed. I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Visual representation of "give somebody the benefit of the doubt" - To believe someone's statement, without having proof

Often appears as...

  • decided to give the benefit of the doubt
  • are you going to give the benefit of the doubt

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To believe someone's statement, without having proof.

She said she was late because her train was delayed. I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Visual representation of "give somebody the benefit of the doubt" - To believe someone's statement, without having proof

Often appears as...

  • decided to give the benefit of the doubt
  • are you going to give the benefit of the doubt

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "give somebody the benefit of the doubt"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Trust Choice

Use when you choose to trust someone despite doubts or lack of proof.

Illustration for Trust Choice
I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Uncertain Situation

Apply it when the truth is uncertain and you're leaning towards a positive judgment.

Illustration for Uncertain Situation
The witness's story had some holes, but the jury gave him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Positive Assumption

It leans towards making a positive assumption about someone's actions or motives.

Illustration for Positive Assumption
His alibi was shaky, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Trust Choice

Use when you choose to trust someone despite doubts or lack of proof.

Illustration for Trust Choice
I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Uncertain Situation

Apply it when the truth is uncertain and you're leaning towards a positive judgment.

Illustration for Uncertain Situation
The witness's story had some holes, but the jury gave him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Positive Assumption

It leans towards making a positive assumption about someone's actions or motives.

Illustration for Positive Assumption
His alibi was shaky, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Trust Choice

Use when you choose to trust someone despite doubts or lack of proof.

Illustration for Trust Choice
I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Uncertain Situation

Apply it when the truth is uncertain and you're leaning towards a positive judgment.

Illustration for Uncertain Situation
The witness's story had some holes, but the jury gave him the benefit of the doubt.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Positive Assumption

It leans towards making a positive assumption about someone's actions or motives.

Illustration for Positive Assumption
His alibi was shaky, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Visual representation of the word "Give somebody the benefit of the doubt"

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