forget it
fixed phrase.fixed phrase. you say this to tell someone not to worry about something or that a topic is no longer important. It can also mean you are withdrawing a request because you are annoyed.
fixed phrase. a formulaic expression used to dismiss a topic, decline an offer of payment or apology, or signal the abandonment of a request due to frustration. It functions as a conversational closer with varying pragmatic force depending on prosody.
Did you want the last slice of pizza? No, forget it.
I tried to explain the software glitch to him three times, but he didn't understand, so I just said, 'Forget it.'
When I offered to reimburse her for the taxi fare, she waved her hand dismissively and told me to forget it.
the meaning changes with tone: a friendly tone dismisses a debt, while a sharp tone shows frustration.
teach this alongside 'never mind' to show how 'forget it' can carry a stronger edge of annoyance or finality in certain contexts.
I forgot it that you were coming.I forgot that you were coming.learners often confuse the fixed phrase 'forget it' (meaning 'never mind') with the transitive verb 'forget', adding an unnecessary 'it' before a 'that' clause.
Last updated July 29, 2026