err on the side of

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err on the side of something

to choose an action that may be too extreme. If we're not sure what's needed, let's err on the side of being too prepared.

Usage notes: usually used in the form err on the side of caution: I decided to err on the side of caution and spend less than my full allowance.

See also: err, side

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? References in classic literature
My case is, as I have told you, almost complete; but we must not err on the side of over-confidence. Sign of the Four by Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan View in context of Saint Louis, we shall probably not err on the side of presumption The Devil's Dictionary by Bierce, Ambrose View in context More results

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enter
enter the fray
enter/get into the spirit of
enter/join the fray
envy
equal
err

err on the side of
err on the side of caution
errand
escape
esprit de corps
essence
et al
even

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