err on the side of caution

err on the side of caution

To avoid risky or irresponsible behavior; to be very cautious. I like to err on the side of caution and always keep some money in my savings account. Since we don't know where we're going, let's err on the side of caution and leave an hour early.
See also: caution, err, of, on, side

out of an abundance of caution

In an earnest attempt to ensure that any potential danger, risks, or problems are avoided. Out of an abundance of caution, I always make sure I have enough money to cover six months' worth of expenses in my savings account, in case anything ever happened to my job. We believe that the allergic reaction was specific to that patient's genetic makeup, but we've also temporarily stopped administering the drug at that dose out of an abundance of caution.
See also: caution, of, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

err on the side of caution

COMMON If you err on the side of caution, you decide to act in a careful way, rather than take risks. It is better on your first few weights sessions to err on the side of caution, and start with a weight which is lighter than you think you can handle. Note: People use other words instead of caution, according to the subject they are discussing. When I discussed the matter with ministers in July I said that we should err on the side of generosity.
See also: caution, err, of, on, side
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • out of an abundance of caution
  • err on the side of
  • err on the side of (something)
  • err on the side of something
  • err
  • err on the right side
  • avoid the trap of (doing something)
  • fall into/avoid the trap of doing something
  • be the making of (one)
  • be the making of somebody/something
References in periodicals archive
Gill Heath, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for communities, said the council does not know how they got there and warned residents to "err on the side of caution".
Family of wild boars spotted out for stroll
I would err on the side of caution. It's a bit like what Gareth Southgate (right) said after Panama: "There are small concerns.
ARE we getting a bit [...]; JERMAINE JENAS Exclusive analysis from the World Cup expert
As previously reported, Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore downgraded Micron to Equal Weight from Overweight, stating that he believes the continued strength in DRAM looks priced in and the NAND recovery that bulls are looking for in the second half of the year looks "increasingly unlikely." While Moore acknowledges that his call will likely be a bit early, given the 40% move in the stock in the last three weeks he would rather "err on the side of caution," he tells investors.
Morgan Stanley downgrades Micron to Equal Weight, sees NAND recovery as unlikely
The court remarked that as the motive remains a mystery, it would err on the side of caution.
SC converts death sentence into life imprisonment
PLANS for upgraded road junctions in Newcastle certainly don't err on the side of caution.
The road ahead
Whereas, if you do a lot of highway driving, you'll want to err on the side of caution and make sure your tires are not near the end of their lives.
Gauging the life of your tire tread
"He has been a shining light for us, but I'm urging people still to err on the side of caution in terms of expecting too much from him, week in and week out."
'Don't put too much pressure on Raheem'
Gulf Air officials told the GDN that the technical issue, which caused the flight to be delayed by five hours in total, was minor but the airline made the decision to land as its policy is to "always err on the side of caution".
Paris flight is diverted due to glitch
"Shouldn't government err on the side of caution, 'di ba?
Palace cautious in ensuring Napoles alive for trial-Lacierda
"The most important message is to err on the side of caution and not drive if it's snowing, forecast to snow, or there are other potentially deadly conditions."
Brake in call for driving diligence; drivelines
Suazo is making encouraging progress and will be given a fitness test but, with games against favourites Spain and Switzerland to come, Rueda intends to err on the side of caution.
Duo doubtful ahead of Honduras opener; Honduras v Chile Today, 12.30pm
Away fans may also want to err on the side of caution by simply backing Town at 7/20 with Jaxx.com to avoid defeat, but having seen their side edge out Yeovil 2-1 at home, many fans will fancy Town's chances.
Fancy 3/1 on Town?
Wilshere holds the club appearance record for the youngest player in both the league and Europe after being fast-tracked into the first-team squad last season - but Wenger continues to err on the side of caution.
Wilshere to gain strength
It's a shame that this is what it has come to, but always err on the side of caution.
Don't get caught by cowboys; Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net
When dealing with issues that may even remotely affect public health, it is best to err on the side of caution. I am therefore advising that precautionary measures be taken to minimize potential longer-term health risks."
Fish advisory issued