Hi Ostap77,
to give someone the benefit of the doubt = 1. to regard someone as innocent until proven otherwise; lean toward a favorable view of someone
If any of the material fats of the case are at variance with the probability of guilt, it will be the duty of you gentlemen to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt raised. (Th. Dreiser, “An American Tragedy”|)
to give someone the benefit of the doubt = 2. to dispel the doubt; to take someone in his words; put trust in him
When I tried to tell her just how I myself regarded her friend, she checked me with an Episcopal gesture “We have to give people the benefit of the doubt”. ()P. H. Johnson, “An Avenue of Stone”)
I’ve been talking to Mrs. Smith. She thinks we ought to give the Minister the benefit of the doubt. (Gr. Greene, “The Comedians”)
V.