Give someone the benefit of the doubt
/ɡɪv ˈsʌmwʌn ðə ˈbɛnɪfɪt əv ðə daʊt/neutralUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “Give someone the benefit of the doubt” mean?
Give someone the benefit of the doubt means to choose to believe that someone is telling the truth or has good intentions when you are not completely sure.
When you give someone the benefit of the doubt, you choose to trust them. You do not have clear proof that they did something bad, so you assume they are being honest.
Using this phrase sounds kind and fair. It shows that you prefer to think the best of someone rather than judge them too quickly.
When do people say it?
People say this when they choose to be fair and trust someone instead of suspecting them.
“She was late again, but her manager decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
This phrase comes from the legal rule that an accused person is innocent if there is reasonable doubt. It started in British courts during the 18th century and later entered daily speech.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “Give someone the benefit of the doubt” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11