the benefit of the doubt

the benefit of the doubt

The withholding of judgment so as to retain a favorable or at least neutral opinion of someone or something when the full information about the subject is not yet available. You're my sister! Can't you give me the benefit of the doubt, instead of believing the worst about me? Let's give him the benefit of the doubt before we start accusing him. There may be a good explanation.
See also: benefit, doubt, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

benefit of the doubt

a judgment in one's favor when the evidence is neither for one nor against one. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I was right between a B and an A. I got the benefit of the doubt—an A. I thought I should have had the benefit of the doubt, but the judge made me pay a fine.
See also: benefit, doubt, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

the benefit of the doubt

a concession that someone or something must be regarded as correct or justified, if the contrary has not been proved.
See also: benefit, doubt, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

benefit of the doubt

A favorable judgment granted in the absence of full evidence.
See also: benefit, doubt, of
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • benefit of the doubt
  • withhold
  • withhold (something) from (someone or something)
  • withhold from
  • an/the advantage over (someone or something)
  • an/the edge on (someone or something)
  • an/the edge over (someone or something)
  • benefit of the doubt, to give/have the
  • put a spin on
  • put a spin on (something)
References in periodicals archive
The post (http://www.palestinechronicle.com/we-need-to-challenge-the-icc-statement-which-gives-israel-the-benefit-of-the-doubt/) We Need to Challenge the ICC Statement which Gives Israel the Benefit of the Doubt appeared first on (http://www.palestinechronicle.com) Palestine Chronicle.
We Need to Challenge the ICC Statement which Gives Israel the Benefit of the Doubt
Giving people the benefit of the doubt is a good habit, one that I need to practice More since it doesn't come naturally, and one that I have needed other people to extend to me on more than one occasion.
The benefit of the doubt
SYDNEY -- India is prepared to give historic rival Pakistan "the benefit of the doubt" as the two countries strives for peace, Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid has said.
India ready to give Pakistan 'benefit of the doubt', says Salman Khurshid (detailed)
AFTER any General Election, irrespective of which political party I vote for, I am more than prepared to give the benefit of the doubt to the party which wins, and allow them in due course, to dig a hole for themselves as the noose tightens.
Party failings; Feedback
Instead, researchers at the University of Portsmouth found that people with a mental illness and a criminal past were more likely to be given the benefit of the doubt and that young men from disadvantaged backgrounds but no mental illness were considered beyond redemption.
Young poor men 'can't be trusted' InBrief
Though pleasant, the staff weren't wearing smart uniforms either to win the benefit of the doubt.
CheapAsChips; CLASSIC FISH BAR, 296 HIGH STREET, ERDINGTON B23 6SN
"Because of this new DRS system, there are definitely technical issues you have to look at in order to save yourself from batters not getting the benefit of the doubt any more."
KP's challenge; sport ROUND-UP
If we give good old Jens the benefit of the doubt, I make it six world-class players in that team.
SWEET FA FOR ARSENE
To give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe they have a problem with their hearing.
'Caring' councillors just not listening; MAILBAG
Marina goes on to say that she had hoped that Jewish viewers would give her daughter the benefit of the doubt. Since when have people watching reality television given anyone the benefit of the doubt?
So Esther, of 'ANTM,' Is Observing After All
CBI director general Richard Lambert said the Budget, expected later this month, is coming at a "pivotal" moment for the economy, adding: "Investors are clearly jittery about sovereign debt, but are prepared to give the UK the benefit of the doubt until after the election."
Balance books plea; Inbrief
We're going to give Vibskov the benefit of the doubt on this one because the spiky beard print he designed is zig-zagged genius.
The Mirror Tank, The Mirror Collection (Spring 2006)
And there was me willing to give this dumb blonde the benefit of the doubt.
THEY'RE not quite up there with the
Give your boyfriend the benefit of the doubt, but keep an eye on his actions--which speak louder than words.
Hey, hold off
Try telling that to the wise old Sir Alex Ferguson, who still claims his team don't get the benefit of the doubt from the officials at home.
Who'd have thought it