benefit of the doubt
The phrase "benefit of the doubt" is often used to convey fairness by assuming honesty or innocence in the absence of complete evidence.
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Definition
B2General
(common, informal)Assuming someone is honest or innocent when there is not enough evidence to prove otherwise.
Example
- Despite the rumors, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
C1Legal
(formal)Presuming a defendant is innocent until proven guilty.
Example
- The jury gave the defendant the benefit of the doubt and acquitted him.
C2Sports
(technical)In cricket, the principle that any uncertainty in a decision should favor the batsman.
Example
- The umpire gave the batsman the benefit of the doubt and ruled him not out.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "benefit of the doubt":