err (redirected from errs on the side)

err on the side of caution

if you err on the side of caution when you are deciding what to do, you do the thing that is safe instead of taking a risk. I decided to err on the side of caution and spend less than my full allowance.

See also: caution, side

To err is human, (to forgive, divine). (formal)

something that you say which means it is natural to make mistakes and it is important to forgive people when they do. You'd think he could find it in his heart to forgive her. To err is human and all that.

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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: side