Idioms

err on the side of caution

This page is about the idiom err on the side of caution

Meaning

If you err on the side of caution, you are overly careful in your approach to something.

For example

  • My friends said I was erring on the side of caution when I decided not to risk investing my money in the share market.

  • Gary doesn't think he errs on the side of caution. He just thinks he doesn't take unnecessary risks.

Quick Quiz

Julia's boyfriend said she was erring on the side of caution when she

a. agreed to climb Mount Everest

b. said she wouldn't mind making a parachute jump

c. refused to fly in a helicopter
a) agreed to climb Mount Everest b) said she wouldn't mind making a parachute jump c) refused to fly in a helicopter

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey