forgive and forget
Meaning
To forgive someone and move on without holding a grudge or bringing up the offense again.
Origin
A long-standing moral maxim found in Christian and broader Western ethics: reconciliation is completed by both pardoning the offender and not dwelling on the wrong. The pairing is used as a set phrase from at least the early modern period.
Notes
Often used as advice urging reconciliation. It can sound dismissive if the harm was serious or ongoing, implying the person should move on quickly.
Examples
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I know you’re upset, but we need to forgive and forget if we want to move forward.
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After the argument, she apologized, and he decided to forgive and forget.
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It’s hard to forgive and forget when the same mistake keeps happening.
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The coach told the team to forgive and forget yesterday’s loss and focus on the next game.
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If you can’t forgive and forget, the resentment will keep poisoning the relationship.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed coordination with “and”: usually “forgive and forget.” Functions as an imperative (“Just forgive and forget”) or an infinitive/gerund phrase (“It’s hard to forgive and forget”). Little variation in wording.
Synonyms
- let bygones be bygones
- move on
- let it go
- turn the other cheek
Antonyms
- hold a grudge
- bear a grudge
- remember it against someone