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overlook someone's mistakes

/ˌoʊvərˈlʊk ˈsʌmwʌnz mɪˈsteɪks/
phrase★Intermediate— to forgive or ignore someone's errors
informal

To intentionally ignore or forgive someone's errors or faults, often to maintain harmony or encourage improvement.

Good leaders know when to overlook minor mistakes to keep morale high.

They choose to ignore small errors to maintain team motivation.

Parents often overlook their children's mistakes to help them build confidence.

They forgive minor errors to support their children's self-esteem.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in contexts where patience and understanding are valued.

Collocations

overlook minor mistakesignore small errorsoverlook someone's faultsforgive someone's flaws

Synonyms

forgiveignoreexcusetolerate

Antonyms

criticizepunishscoldreprimand

Related Phrases

turn a blind eyeidiom
to ignore something deliberately
cut someone some slackphrase
to be lenient with someone

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

Use this phrase when you want to show understanding rather than strictness.

⚡Gold Rule

Appropriate Use

Avoid using this phrase in situations where mistakes are serious or harmful.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'overlook' (to look over or past something) combined with 'mistakes' (errors or faults).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in professional, educational, or personal relationships where patience and understanding are important.

Word Breakdown

overlook
to ignore or forgive
verb
+
someone's mistakes
errors or faults made by a person
noun phrase
English Dictionary

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