err on the side of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘err on the side of’ mean?
The idiom "err on the side of" means to choose or decide in favor of being cautious or safe rather than taking risks or being overly optimistic in uncertain situations.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lay on the line" means to take a risk or be open and honest about something, often exposing oneself to potential danger, criticism, or negative consequences.
The idiom "land on one's feet" means to recover or be successful after a difficult or challenging situation. It suggests being able to adapt and find a positive outcome despite the circumstances.
The idiom *know which side one's bread is buttered on* means to understand where one's interests lie and to act accordingly in order to benefit oneself or to avoid negative consequences. It suggests being aware of the people or situations that can provide advantages and acting in a way that maintains or strengthens those advantages.
The idiom "hurler on the ditch" refers to someone who offers criticism or advice from a position of safety or inaction, without actively participating or taking any risks themselves.
The idiom "have time on one's side" means to have the advantage of time and the ability to wait or be patient in a situation. It implies that by being patient, one has a higher chance of achieving a desired outcome or seeing positive results.
The idiom "had better" is used to advise or warn someone about a particular action they should take in order to avoid a negative outcome. It implies a sense of urgency or necessity, often indicating that there may be negative consequences if the suggested action is not followed.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
The idiom "go with one's gut" means to rely on one's intuition or instinct when making a decision, rather than using logical reasoning or analysis.
Embracing the Uncertainty of Errors
Err on the side of is an idiomatic expression commonly used in English. The phrase "err," in this context, means to make a mistake or go wrong. "On the side of" indicates a preference or inclination towards a specific choice or action. When combined, the idiom "err on the side of" implies intentionally making an error or mistake in favor of one option over another.
The origin of this idiom is not clearly documented, but its usage can be traced back to the late 19th century. It has since become a popular expression used in both formal and informal contexts. The idiom's predominantly used in American English, but it's also recognized and understood in other English-speaking countries.
The meaning of "err on the side of" is to intentionally choose a course of action that may result in a mistake or error but is considered safer or more cautious in the given context. This implies a conscious decision to prioritize caution or safety over potentially taking risks or making an error in the opposite direction. The idiom is often used in situations where the consequences of being overly cautious are perceived to be less severe than the consequences of making a mistake in the opposite direction.
For example, imagine a business faced with a decision that requires some level of risk-taking. To avoid making a potentially detrimental mistake, the business might err on the side of caution by choosing a more conservative approach, even if it means sacrificing potential rewards. In this case, the business is intentionally making an error by playing it safe, but it is doing so to prioritize caution and avoid the potential mistake of taking unnecessary risks.
Erring on the side of caution is a related concept often used interchangeably with "err on the side of." While both expressions convey similar meanings, erring on the side of caution specifically emphasizes the importance of being cautious and avoiding unnecessary risks. Both expressions, however, share the underlying notion of intentionally making an error or mistake in favor of a particular choice or action.
An alternative idiomatic expression related to err on the side of is "lay on the line." This phrase implies being willing to take risks and face potential consequences. While erring on the side of caution emphasizes avoiding risks, laying it on the line suggests a willingness to face them. When faced with a decision, one may intentionally choose to lay it on the line, meaning they are willing to take calculated risks and face the outcomes of their choices. This is in contrast to erring on the side of caution, which prioritizes avoiding risks to prevent potential mistakes.
In addition to caution, time can also play a role in decision-making. The idiomatic expression "have time on one's side" suggests that one has the advantage of time when making decisions. This means there is less pressure and a greater opportunity to carefully consider all options. When someone has time on their side, they can afford to be more reflective and deliberate in their decision-making process. In contrast, erring on the side of caution reflects a sense of urgency and the need to prioritize avoiding mistakes over taking ample time to make decisions.
Another idiom related to err on the side of is "butter one's bread on both sides." This expression refers to the practice of maximizing one's opportunities or advantages. It suggests the idea of being strategic and ensuring that both sides, or aspects, of a situation are favorable. When someone butters their bread on both sides, they are intentionally seeking to benefit from multiple angles or options. This is in contrast to erring on the side of caution, which focuses on avoiding mistakes by prioritizing one particular course of action.
Lastly, the idiom "go out on a limb" is also related to err on the side of. Going out on a limb refers to taking a risk or making a bold decision, even if it involves potential uncertainty or vulnerability. It suggests being willing to step outside one's comfort zone and embrace the possibility of making a mistake or encountering challenges. While erring on the side of caution emphasizes avoiding risks and mistakes, going out on a limb showcases a willingness to take risks and potentially make errors in exchange for potential rewards or growth.
Overall, the idiom "err on the side of" exemplifies the complexity and nuance of idiomatic expressions. It showcases the intricate nature of language and its ability to convey meaning beyond literal interpretation. The phrase, along with its related idioms, provide a rich and varied way to express nuances in decision-making and risk-taking, highlighting the importance of context and intentionality in effective communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "err on the side of" can be used in a sentence:
- When planning the party budget, it's better to err on the side of caution and allocate extra funds to ensure everything is covered.
- As a doctor, it is important to err on the side of patient safety and prescribe lower doses rather than risking potential side effects.
- When making a decision about a hiring candidate, it's wise to err on the side of qualification and choose the candidate with more experience.
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