Err On The Side Of Caution Meaning

Example : 1867 Jan. 15, "The Impeachment of the President—Probabilities and Possibilities," New York Times p. 4:  They are all zealous to the last degree in support of the extreme policy. . . . They certainly will not err on the side of caution.1976 Oct. 29, James J. Kilpatrick, "Bureacracy Infects Drug Industry," St. Petersburg Independent/Washington Star Syndicate, p. 23-A (retrieved 1 Oct 2008):  In any uncertain situation, government tends to err on the side of caution and delay.2008 Sept. 17, Kara Gammell, "Cash in on the high interest rates," The Telegraph (UK) (retrieved 1 Oct. 2008):  But many savers are more concerned with the safety of their deposits and are even spreading their money over several institutions to err on the side of caution.