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

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

“We do try to maximise the offers. We do try to give the benefit of the doubt. We assess that and we are looking at fairness across the board,” Mark Chesher, a partner from Addleshaw Goddard, the law firm which assesses claims for GLO payouts told MPs.

From BBC

“CSU policy should give the benefit of the doubt to more nuanced or borderline allegations,” the audit concluded.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

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