err on the side of caution

[ er on thuh sahyd uhv kaw-shuhn, ur ]

idiom

1. to reduce risk by planning or acting more carefully than might seem absolutely necessary:

   Budget for all your known expenses, but err on the side of caution by also allowing funds for unforeseen circumstances.

   Sorry, but I removed your image from the thread—it’s probably not offensive, but I always err on the side of caution with such things.

Word History and Origins

Origin of err on the side of caution¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

"On balance, with inflation pressures subdued, there is no reason for the Fed not to err on the side of caution and frontload rate cuts," she said.

From BBC

With less than three weeks before the Sept. 8 opener at Detroit, McVay will err on the side of caution when it comes to his 36-year-old quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times

Err on the side of caution and take them out early, as you do not want to overcook your shrimp.

From Salon

Those guidelines largely left it in the hands of the local bishop to investigate purported visions or supernatural events to determine if they were worthy of belief among the faithful, and tended to err on the side of caution.

From Seattle Times

Doctors often give antibiotics to err on the side of caution, but that’s not recommended unless there’s evidence of a bacterial infection; overuse of the drugs can exacerbate the development of antibiotic resistance.

From Science Magazine