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.
"We don't want our teachers to interpret what the kids have written and give them the benefit of the doubt because they know them and they know they're trying hard," she said.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
“If anyone should get the benefit of the doubt in the world of sports, it’s Geno Auriemma,” Hurley said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
Giving you the benefit of the doubt and the conversation jumping off from there, George is very good at that.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026
McPeake, for one, is giving them the benefit of the doubt.
From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026
We give everybody the benefit of the doubt.
From "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers
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.
