# forgive but don't forget

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/forgive-but-dont-forget
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To pardon someone of wrongdoing while retaining awareness of their past behavior to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.