Giving you the benefit of the doubt

Posted by David FG on July 18, 2005

In Reply to: Giving you the benefit of the doubt posted by Leah on July 18, 2005

: What is the meaning of the expression "giving you the benefit of the doubt"?

It is easier to explain by means of an example (for me, anyway). I believe (and most of the evidence points to) that X stole my wallet. However, there is some small doubt in my mind, as I can't prove it absolutely. Therefore I will give him the benefit of the doubt and act as if he did not do it.

DFG