Due diligence

Origin of: Due diligence

Due diligence

Due diligence is an expression usually used in law or business to mean reasonable care and caution in buying, selling, investigating, or giving professional advice etc, especially in the sense of making sure one does not incur liability. It has been used in this sense since the late 18th century. The original meaning of due diligence in the sense of giving something or other appropriate attention or focus, dates from the mid-14th century.