merit (redirected from merits)

judge something on its own merits

to evaluate something on its own good and bad points and nothing else. You must judge this proposal on its own merits. The proposal has not been judged on its own merits.

See also: judge

judge one on one's own merits

to evaluate one on one's own good and bad points and no one else's. Please judge Janet on her own merits. I was judged on my own merits.

See also: judge, one

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on its (own) merits

based on considering which person or thing has the best qualities Judge the product on its own merits and not on any advertising claims.

on the merits

based on the qualities of someone or something, or on the facts of a situation The mayor makes job appointments only on the merits.

Usage notes: used especially in legal decisions: His pardon was granted solely on the merits.