C2idiomformaldecisionsIELTS-friendly
err on the side of caution
USUK
to choose the safer action when you are not sure what is best
Formal and common in official advice. 'Err' rhymes with 'her' in British English.
In context
The school erred on the side of caution and closed for the day when the storm warning came.
If you're not sure whether the meat is cooked, err on the side of caution.
More idioms about decisions
- a Catch-22a situation you can't escape because each solution depends on the other
- a change of hearta change in your opinion or plan, usually towards a kinder or different view
- a double-edged swordsomething that has both good and bad effects
- a fait accomplisomething already decided or done that others must now accept
- a foregone conclusiona result that is certain before it happens