benefit

benefit by something and benefit from something

to profit or gain by something. We hope to benefit by the collapse of our competition. We will all benefit from the new tax laws.

benefit of the doubt

a judgment in one's favor when the evidence is neither for one nor against one. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I was right between a B and an A. I got the benefit of the doubt—an A. I thought I should have had the benefit of the doubt, but the judge made me pay a fine.

See also: doubt

for someone (or something's) sake and for the sake of someone or something

for the purpose or benefit of someone or something; to satisfy the demands of someone or something. I made a meatless dinner for John's sake; he's a vegetarian. The teacher repeated the assignment for the sake of the slower students.

See also: sake

for one's (own) sake

for one's good or benefit; in honor of someone. I have to earn a living for my family's sake. I did it for my mother's sake.

See also: sake

of benefit (to someone)

serving someone well; to the good of someone. I can't believe that this proposal is of benefit to anyone. Oh, I'm sure you'll find the new health plan to be of benefit.

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give somebody the benefit of the doubt

to believe something good about someone, rather than something bad, when you have the possibility of doing either After hearing his explanation, I was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt.

See also: doubt, give

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give somebody/something the benefit of the doubt

to decide you will believe someone or something People tell me I shouldn't trust him, but I'm willing to give Simon the benefit of the doubt and wait and see what he actually offers. The American people are usually willing to give the government the benefit of the doubt.

See also: doubt, give