Synonyms

forgive and forget

Idioms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Will fans forgive and forget Henderson's Saudi move?

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2024

Koffi didn’t know if she could forgive and forget it either.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023