Word info

err on the side of

Verb

Meaning

(transitive, idiomatic) To behave in a manner which favours or which is biased toward.

To choose which mistake (err) will be perpetuated when all available options would result in different mistakes.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

If one is going to err, one should err on the side of liberty and freedom. Kofi Annan

When there are multiple versions of a story, you really have three ways to go. You can pick the most sensational version. You can try to balance things in your gut to get to what you think is the honest truth. Or you can err on the side of kindness. Walter Isaacson

I am not complaining, mind you,” the simurgh was saying in a grumpy, peevish tone of voice a while later, "I was merely pointing out that when one must tamper with the forces of nature, it is better to err on the side of caution and of prudence, than to be too liberal. Lin Carter

My view is that when in doubt, society should err on the side of life. Mac Thornberry

I am conservative by temperament. I disapprove of criminal activity. I am very solidly and markedly on the side of authority. The truth is I would rather err on the side of too much authority than too little. James Ellroy

It is better to err on the side of daring than the side of caution. Alvin Toffler

Close letter words and terms