forgive and forget

Idioms  

1. Both pardon and hold no resentment concerning a past event. For example, After Meg and Mary decided to forgive and forget their differences, they became good friends. This phrase dates from the 1300s and was a proverb by the mid-1500s. For a synonym, see let bygones be bygones.

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Example Sentences

Even if another ex-guerrilla, Gustavo Petro, won the presidency in 2022 by leading a broad left-wing coalition, after decades of bloody armed conflict, many Colombians are not ready to forgive and forget.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Instead, he dug in his heels, hoping voters would forgive and forget.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2024

“It’s all about forgive and forget and one game at a time,” Oettinger explained.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

The defendant may be angry that judges who oversee these cases, as part of doing their jobs, are not inclined to forgive and forget the events charged.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2023

“I’ve never felt so bad in my life, and I know that still isn’t enough. I know I can’t ask you to just forgive and forget what I did.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray