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Give the benefit of the doubt

Give the benefit of the doubt

Meaning

Decide to believe a statement which isn’t proven.

Examples

He says he used to run the 100 yards in 10 seconds. I’m not sure but he looks pretty fit so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 15th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Give the benefit of the doubt

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