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# an honest mistake

phrase (noun phrase: an honest mistake, honest mistakes)

«an honest mistake» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. a mistake made without meaning to cheat or harm.
2. (euphemism, spin) a way of excusing an error that may not have been innocent.

### In the lessons

All regions; everyday talk, school, news; used to forgive or to excuse.

### Examples

- Don't worry, it was an honest mistake.
- I took your pen by mistake — an honest mistake.
- The shop charged me twice; they said it was an honest mistake.
- News: «The minister called the extra payments an honest mistake.»
- Everyone makes honest mistakes.
- Teacher: «Copying the wrong date is an honest mistake; copying answers isn't.»

### Note

Plain sense is forgiving. When someone uses it to excuse themselves after being caught, it can be spin. «Honest» here means «not on purpose».