on the side of the angels, to be

be on the side of the angels

To behave in a kind or charitable way, or to support such actions. With war tearing apart the country, being on the side of the angels can cost you your life.
See also: angel, of, on, side
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

be on the side of the ˈangels

having correct moral principles and behaving correctly: The policemen in Scobie’s crime novels are not always on the side of the angels.
See also: angel, of, on, side
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on the side of the angels, to be

Supporting the good side. This expression comes from a speech by Benjamin Disraeli (1864) concerning the problems raised by Darwin’s theory that mankind is descended from apes: “The question is this: Is man an ape or an angel? Now I am on the side of the angels.” The phrase was later extended to mean siding with goodness and upholding the moral or spiritual view.
See also: of, on, side
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • be on the side of the angels
  • on the side of the angels
  • tearing
  • hurry
  • do unto others
  • play to the gallery
  • play to the gallery, to
  • play to the crowd
  • burst through
  • burst through (something)