give someone the benefit of the doubt

give (someone or something) the benefit of the doubt

To retain a favorable or at least neutral opinion of someone or something until the full information about the subject is available. You're my sister! Can't you give me the benefit of the doubt, instead of believing the worst about me right away? Let's give him the benefit of the doubt before we start accusing him. There may be a good explanation for the missing money.
See also: benefit, doubt, give, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give someone the benefit of the doubt

COMMON
1. If you give someone the benefit of the doubt, you decide to believe that what they are saying is honest, even though it is possible that they are not telling the truth. As to whether she deliberately lied or got the facts wrong, I suppose we could give her the benefit of the doubt.
2. If you give someone the benefit of the doubt, you decide to believe that what they are doing is right, even though it is possible that they are doing something wrong. I am basically a trusting person. I make it a practice to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
See also: benefit, doubt, give, of, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • benefit of the doubt
  • the benefit of the doubt
  • an/the advantage over (someone or something)
  • benefit of the doubt, to give/have the
  • an/the edge on (someone or something)
  • an/the edge over (someone or something)
  • put a spin on
  • put a spin on (something)
  • well disposed to
  • well disposed to (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Don't give someone the benefit of the doubt if they've let you down before.
Mystic stars
Before you go switching off, give someone the benefit of the doubt and maybe what they have to say could actually get you excited?
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The public is prepared to give someone the benefit of the doubt, everyone deserves a second - and if generosity prevails - a third chance.
Why we're in a hol lot of trouble
You can give someone the benefit of the doubt or you can cut them off in that Scorpio way that you do; completely.
David Wells
Whilst this weekend you may still be prepared to give someone the benefit of the doubt, your patience is not inexhaustible.
Your Stars
MAYBE you need to give someone the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps you just got off to a bad start, or maybe you really don't like them and they feel the same about you?
Stars