ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION Definition & Meaning

err on the side of caution

[ er on thuh sahyd uhv kaw-shuhn, ur ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

to reduce risk by planning or acting more carefully than might seem absolutely necessary:
Budget for all your known expenses, but err on the side of caution by also allowing funds for unforeseen circumstances.
Sorry, but I removed your image from the thread—it’s probably not offensive, but I always err on the side of caution with such things.

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First recorded in 1780–90

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Examples have not been reviewed.

Ofsted's broad criteria for reporting can mean nursery workers "err on the side of caution", the Early Years Alliance says.

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Generally, state laws don’t specify which material might be “harmful,” leaving many educators to err on the side of caution.

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"On balance, with inflation pressures subdued, there is no reason for the Fed not to err on the side of caution and frontload rate cuts," she said.

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With less than three weeks before the Sept. 8 opener at Detroit, McVay will err on the side of caution when it comes to his 36-year-old quarterback.

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Err on the side of caution and take them out early, as you do not want to overcook your shrimp.

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