Give someone the benefit of the doubt means believing a person until there's proof otherwise: I gave her the benefit of the doubt because the bus really had been delayed. It's everyday innocent until proven guilty: the doubt stays, but you read it in the person's favour. The person comes right after give: give the driver the benefit of the doubt.
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give + person + the benefit of the doubt
- I gave her the benefit of the doubt because the bus really had been delayed.
- We do not know why the parcel is missing, so let's give the driver the benefit of the doubt.
- He asked us to give the new volunteer the benefit of the doubt after one confused message.
What changed
First versionI gave him the benefit for the doubt when he explained the delay.
RevisionI gave him the benefit of the doubt when he explained the delay.
You decide in someone's favour, so for seems logical: a benefit for them. But in the idiom, the benefit comes from the doubt: the benefit of the doubt. Replace for with of, and the expression is fixed.
Trust someone means trusting them in general, with no doubts. Give the benefit of the doubt means believing them although you have doubts. Take something with a pinch of salt is the opposite: being sceptical and not accepting it as true.
Your turn
Complete the expression for choosing a favourable interpretation while unsure: Give her the benefit ___ the doubt.
Show the answer
of — Benefit links to doubt with of. For isn't part of this idiom.
Describe a time you believed someone even though there was no proof. Use give someone the benefit of the doubt.
I will give Maya the benefit of the doubt until I know whether she received the invitation.
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