give the benefit of the doubt

Idioms  

1. Regard someone as innocent until proven otherwise; lean toward a favorable view of someone. For example, Let's give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she's right. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

give the benefit of the doubt

The statement added that it recognises there will be an "absence of evidence given the length of time which has passed" and therefore will give the benefit of the doubt to postmasters.

From BBC ● May 26, 2025

“Things are pretty bad right now and I know it, but I think we should give the benefit of the doubt and keep JLo,” said Arminda Kisanga, 28, using the president’s nickname.

From New York Times ● Aug. 24, 2022

But “the courts have generally thought that they should give the benefit of the doubt to someone who might be criminally prosecuted, rather than force someone to testify and then learn: ‘Whoops!’”

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 14, 2022

“That willingness to give the benefit of the doubt has evaporated,” Richardson said.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 7, 2020

He tried, as always, to give the benefit of the doubt to whoever had done it.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers