benefit of the doubt
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of benefit of the doubt
First recorded in 1840–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unlike Drejka, Kelver did not fire her gun, nor did she initiate the confrontation, yet she was not given the benefit of the doubt by local authorities.
From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026
“The government has not earned the benefit of the doubt here for me to believe that that’s literally the response of the Mexican government,” Vera said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
For now shareholders look to be giving Allbirds the benefit of the doubt.
From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026
He has enormous sway with his base, and they often give him the benefit of the doubt when he takes bold positions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026
Stephen Kellner always gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.
From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
