forgivable offense
Pardonable small wrongdoing
A forgivable offense is a transgression minor enough to warrant pardon—a mistake or wrongdoing that doesn't permanently damage a relationship or reputation.
The phrase implies the offense exists on a spectrum: serious enough to require forgiveness, but not so grave as to be unforgivable.
Showing up late is a forgivable offense; lying about it isn't.
- minorScale with lowered third
- small potatoesInsignificant things or people
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- transgressionViolation of law or code
slip · mistake · lapse · white lie · venial · petty · understandable · human · weakness · apologize · mercy · clemency · oversight · indiscretion · blunder · misstep · regret · remorse
forgivable offensemortal sin
Grace-destroying spiritual offense
capital crime · cardinal sin · atrocity · deadly sin · crime against humanity
forgivable offenseunpardonable sin
Transgression beyond forgiveness
eternal damnation · point of no return · crossing the Rubicon
forgivable, forgive, forgiveness, forgiving, forgave, forgiven, unforgivable, unforgiven, given