Talk:err on the side of caution

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Err does not mean to act; it means to make an error. 'Err on the side of caution' is not advice, therefore; it's a statement that, if you do make an error, it would be better if that error was to have been to cautious. Thus the advice is to ACT on the side of caution, and that it is BETTER TO err on the side of caution (rather than err on the other side).

I think the current definition is therefore inaccurate and needs to reflect this subtlety, but I'm not sure how best to do it. --131.111.248.243 23:05, 25 November 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I agree with you, although I think the definition as it is currently worded (essentially the same today as in 2012) covers the definition you're giving. If anyone's browsing by, can you suggest a better wording for the definition? —Soap— 17:25, 28 October 2023 (UTC)[reply]

malapropism[edit]

this expression has a malaprop version: side on the air of caution. Probably mostly US, as that's where err and air are most likely to be homophones. But the words are still in the wrong order so it's a double mistake. Here is one use in a print book, in the author's words, not those of a poorly educated character. —Soap— 08:38, 28 October 2023 (UTC)[reply]

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