overlook someone's mistakes

/ˌoʊvərˈlʊk ˈsʌmwʌnz mɪˈsteɪks/

to forgive or ignore someone's errors

As a mentor, she often overlooks her students' mistakes to encourage learning.

She intentionally ignores minor errors to create a supportive learning environment.

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

to ignore something deliberately

to be lenient with someone

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

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

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

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

overlook

to ignore or forgive

verb

someone's mistakes

errors or faults made by a person

noun phrase

English Dictionary