forgive but don't forget
To pardon someone of wrongdoing while retaining awareness of their past behavior to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I forgive but don't forget when friends break my trust.”
“He apologized for the mistake, so I decided to forgive but don't forget to keep a closer eye on the budget.”
“While she chose to forgive but don't forget the betrayal, she remained cautious about entering into any further professional partnerships with him.”
The phrase is a variation of the older idiom *forgive and forget*, constructed as a deliberate modification of the earlier sentiment.
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and I don't mean maybe
Indicating that one is serious and not joking about a matter.
- 02
don't call me sir, I work for a living
Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.
- 03
don't call us, we'll call you
A stereotypical statement from a hiring organization to a potential candidate, suggesting that the candidate will not be hired.
- 04
don't drop the soap
Used as a mockery to someone who is about to be or should be confined in prison.
- 05
don't get someone started
Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.
- 06
don't give up your day job
Somewhat sarcastic but usually good-natured advice used to criticise a person's degree of talent (especially in music or other performing arts), implying that they are unlikely to be successful.
- 07
don't go there
Do not broach that topic.
- 08
don't hold your breath
Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
Last updated August 10, 2026