“Err on the Side of Caution” Origin, Meaning and Examples

by

This reference discusses the idiom “Err on the Side of Caution,” covering its meaning, examples, and alternative expressions. This idiom is often used in conversations to suggest choosing a safer or more careful option. You’ll learn what the phrase means, how to use it in different contexts, and discover other ways to say the same thing. This reference also includes a helpful picture to further illustrate the concept.

“Err on the Side of Caution” Origin, Meaning and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “err on the side of caution” means to prioritize safety or carefulness in decision-making, especially when faced with uncertainty or risk. It implies that one should take precautions and avoid taking unnecessary risks, even if it means being overly cautious. 
Err on the Side of Caution
Err on the Side of Caution – Created by 7ESL

“Err on the Side of Caution” Meaning

The phrase “err on the side of caution” means to take a more careful or conservative approach when faced with uncertainty. It suggests making a decision that prioritizes safety or minimizes risk, even if it means being overly cautious.

For example, if someone says, “Let’s err on the side of caution and bring extra supplies,” it means they prefer to be more prepared than necessary, just in case something goes wrong.

Origin of This Idiom

The phrase “err on the side of caution” was derived from the meaning of the word err. To err means to make a mistake. “On the side of caution” was added after the word to imply that one should be careful and plan ahead rather than being unprepared and make an error. Err first appeared at part of a phrase back in the year 1678 as part of a phrase written by author Thomas Jones in the book titled Of the Heart, and its Right to Soveraign.

Usage of “Err on the Side of Caution”

  • In a safety context:

“When it comes to health and safety, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.”

  • Talking about decision-making:

“Given the uncertainty in the weather forecast, we decided to err on the side of caution and postpone the outdoor event.”

  • In a financial discussion:

“I would rather err on the side of caution with my investments and avoid high-risk stocks.”

  • In a work situation:

“To avoid any misunderstandings, let’s err on the side of caution and double-check our calculations.”

Related Terms to “Err on the Side of Caution”

Here are some related terms and phrases to “err on the side of caution” that convey the idea of being careful or taking a conservative approach:

  • Better safe than sorry – it’s wiser to be cautious than to risk regret later.
  • Play it safe – to choose a careful or low-risk option.
  • Exercise caution – to be careful or cautious in a situation.
  • Take precautions – to prepare for potential risks by being careful.
  • Proceed with caution – to move forward carefully, being mindful of potential risks.
  • Stay on the safe side – to take actions that ensure safety or reduce risks.
  • Avoid risks – to steer clear of actions that could lead to trouble or danger.
  • Tread lightly – to approach a situation carefully and avoid any hasty actions.
  • Be on the cautious side – to adopt a careful, risk-averse approach.
  • Go with the safer option – to choose the option with the least risk.

Other Ways to Say “Err on the Side of Caution”

As is the case with almost all idioms, these figurative expressions can be conveyed in much more literal terms. For instance, saying better safe than sorry and better to plan than be unprepared are more literal terms that relate the same meaning.

“Err on the Side of Caution” synonyms list:

  • Take precautions
  • Erring on the side of caution
  • Be cautious
  • Be careful
  • Take care
  • Be very careful
  • Be safe
  • Carefully
  • Make sure
  • Safe than sorry
  • Better safe than sorry
  • Be on the safe side

“Err on the Side of Caution” Examples

Examples in Statements

A wedding planner offering tips and advice about the proper way to plan a reception.

  • “It is always better to err on the side of caution and order more food to have enough to feed everyone, including some unexpected guests.“

A from a pest control company on their webpage.

  • “A homeowner may want to err on the side of caution and have their home inspected if they know that their neighbor’s house has been treated for pests recently.”

Examples in Conversation

A father speaking to his daughter about a dress he is buying for his mom.

  • Father: Hey, Heather, do you think your mom would like this dress?
  • Daughter: Yes! I think she would love it. It’s her favorite color!
  • Father: I thought so. I just don’t know what size to get her. I think I will err on the side of caution and just buy her one size smaller than I think she is.

A son speaking to his mother about attending his football game.

  • Son: Mom, I don’t think I am going to go to the game tonight.
  • Mother: Why not?
  • Son: Because I have not been feeling well all day and I would rather err on the side of caution than end up getting sick while on the field.

Other examples:

  • It’s always best to err on the side of caution.
  • I thought it was better to err on the side of caution.
  • Travel agents are urging their clients to err on the side of caution.
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)