give the benefit of the doubt (redirected from benefit)

give someone 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 someone/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