forgive but don't forget

English

Etymology

In reference to the phrase forgive and forget.

Verb

forgive but don't forget

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) To pardon someone of wrongdoing while retaining awareness of their past behavior to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
   • 1841, Samuel Lover, Roberts' Semi-Monthly Magazine‎^[1], volume 1, number 1, page 8:

     'Forgive, forget,' we're wisely told, Is held a maxim good and old; But half the maxim's better yet,– THEN OH FORGIVE–BUT DON'T FORGET

   • 2021, Nadine E. Dolby, Constructing Race: Youth, Identity, and Popular Culture in South Africa‎^[2], page 101:

     Amanda feels strongly that it is necessary "to forgive, but don't forget. Don't forget what happened to you, but it's in the past, just leave it."