Benefit of Doubt Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

One of the most commonly used idioms in daily life is “Benefit of Doubt”. The meaning of the benefit of the doubt is to believe something good about a situation when there is a possibility of both positive and negative circumstances. The origin of the idiom is from the “English legal system”. Other than that it is believed that this phrase was used in the Irish treason sessions in the year 1798. To gain more information about this idiom, make sure you continue reading this blog.

Most Commonly Used Idioms in English

Benefit of Doubt Idiom: Meaning

The idiom “benefit of the doubt” means to give someone the advantage of believing them, even if you’re not completely sure they’re telling the truth or are right. It involves choosing to believe someone’s positive explanation, even if there’s a possibility of a negative one. It’s essentially choosing to interpret ambiguous information in the most favourable way for the person in question.

Benefit of Doubt Idiom: Usage With Examples

“Benefit of Doubt” Meaning is used in different situations. However, it is commonly used in legal settings. These are some examples of how a speaker can use this idiom in their sentences:

1. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt as there is no proof of his involvement in this situation.
2. There is no proof of his criminal involvement, so let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.
3. I think he broke the glass but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt for this situation. 
4. Everyone is entitled to the benefit of the doubt until they are proven guilty.

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Benefit of Doubt Idiom: Synonyms

Let us now look at the following list of benefit of doubt which can be easily used in place of this idiom in waiting.

1. Assumption of innocence
2. Presumed innocence
3. Have some faith
4. Good faith
5. Favourable judgement
6. Benefit of hesitation

Benefit of Doubt Meaning Quiz with Answers

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

Question 1:

What does “benefit of the doubt” mean?

a) To be absolutely certain about something 

b) To choose to believe someone, even if you have some doubts 

c) To immediately distrust someone 

d) To ignore all evidence

Question 2:

In which situation would you most likely give someone the benefit of the doubt?

a) When you have overwhelming evidence of their guilt 

b) When you’re completely sure they’re lying 

c) When you’re faced with ambiguous information and could interpret it positively or negatively 

d) When you don’t care about the outcome

Question 3:

Which of the following is NOT an implication of giving someone the benefit of the doubt?

a) It suggests a degree of trust. 

b) It can be seen as a fair approach. 

c) It guarantees that they are telling the truth. 

d) It acknowledges uncertainty.

Question 4:

“He said he missed the deadline because of a family emergency, and I gave him the benefit of the doubt.” This means:

a) You know he’s lying. 

b) You chose to believe his explanation, even though you had some doubts. 

c) You don’t care why he missed the deadline.

d) You’re angry with him.

Question 5:

Giving someone the benefit of the doubt always leads to positive outcomes.

a) True 

b) False

Answers:

1. b) To choose to believe someone, even if you have some doubts
2. c) When you’re faced with ambiguous information and could interpret it positively or negatively
3. c) It guarantees that they are telling the truth.
4. b) You chose to believe his explanation, even though you had some doubts.
5. b) False (There’s always a risk they might be taking advantage of your trust.)

Also Read: List of Idioms and Phrases for IELTS

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