When you searched the meaning of this idiom in Japanese, there are two translations. Although both are recommending an action which is helpful or useful, the strength is different.
- 1. Subeki de aru (すべきである)
"Subeki" means "should". It is an expression of advice.
- 2. Shita hou ga ii (したほうがよい)
"Shita hou ga ii" is also an advice. However it is weaker advice than "Subeki".
For example, from idioms4you.com http://www.idioms4you.com/complete-idioms/it-wouldnt-hurt-to.html
> Wife: I forgot to check to see if we need to buy Diet Coke.
> Husband: I drink a lot of Diet Coke so it wouldn't hurt to buy some. (ダイエットコーラはたくさん飲むから、買っておいた方がいいね。)
> Wife: You're right. Diet Coke keeps for a long time and it's good to have lots in the pantry.
In this case, it is natural to be translated to "Shita hou ga ii".
> Boss: Have you had someone else check your presentation over?
> Sub: No.
> Boss: You know, it wouldn't hurt to have someone else check your presentation. (誰かにプレゼンをチェックしてもらうべきよ。) Sometimes a person can't see their own mistakes.
> Sub: I see. Would you take a look at the presentation for me, please?
In this case, boss suggests subordinate that (s)he should get a review of presentation. So, it would be OK to use "Subeki" which is stronger advice. (Shita hou ga ii is also OK.)