give the benefit of the doubt

Meaning

1. give sb the benefit of the doubt

   to accept that sb has told the truth or has not done sth wrong because you cannot prove that they have not told the truth / have done sth wrong

In the movies · 1

• She might give you the benefit of the doubt if your seven looks like a one with a fancy tail, right?Belfast2021
• I employ you. I've tried to give you the benefit of every doubt...The Bad Seed1956
• Sometimes you have to give your dad the benefit of the doubt, even if all he wants to do is talk about pine cones and screwdrivers.The Mitchells vs. the Machines2021

Learn it in full scenes

• Belfast2021
  • Buddy Caught in a Street Riot
  • Belfast Builds the Barricades
  • Belfast Family Argues About Religion

From the same entry

• for benefit

More idioms

• have a feel for
• know inside out
• on the back burner
• on the face of it
• pat on the back
• take into consideration
• be on a roll
• nothing of the kind
• under pressure
• close by
• out of your hands
• that's that