How to Say Sorry in Different Ways: 15 English Idioms for Apologies

November 07, 2025•5 min read

One of the first expressions many English learners are taught is "I'm sorry". We often use this expression to apologize for a mistake or something we've done wrong. And while “I'm sorry” is a useful and very common phrase, it’s not the only way to apologize in English. In fact, there are many other natural and expressive ways to say you're sorry in everyday conversations.

In this lesson, I’ll walk you through 8 real English expressions for apologizing, so you can add variety to your speech and sound more fluent. As a bonus, you’ll also learn 7 helpful idioms for accepting an apology and expressing forgiveness—because sometimes, you're on the other side of the conversation.

By the end, you’ll know 15 new phrases and idioms that will help you handle apologies in English with more confidence, empathy, and ease.

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8 Idioms for Apologizing in English

Here are 8 expressions you can use to apologize in English. These range from everyday phrases to idioms that add depth and fluency to your speech.

1. 💬 I’m really sorry

Definition: A straightforward apology. The "really" emphasizes genuine regret.
Example: “I’m really sorry for spilling coffee on your notebook during the meeting.”

2. ⏰ I lost track of time

Definition: An idiom meaning you weren't paying attention to the clock.
Example: “I lost track of time watching that series and completely forgot our lunch plans.”

3. 😬 I messed up

Definition: Informal idiom for admitting you made a mistake or handled something poorly.
Example: “I can't believe I left the documents at home. I really messed up.”

4. 💔 I feel terrible about it

Definition: Expresses deep emotional regret and empathy for the inconvenience caused.
Example: “I feel terrible about forgetting our dinner reservation.”

5. 🙈 I feel like a jerk

Definition: Informal and emotional—shows you recognize your mistake and feel guilty.
Example: “I feel like a jerk for snapping at you when you were only trying to help.”

6.🎁Can I do anything to make it up to you?

Definition: A way to offer something to fix the situation and restore goodwill.
Example: “I hate that I missed your birthday party. Can I do anything to make it up to you?

7. 🤝 I promise it won’t happen again

Definition: A way to reassure to someone that you won't repeat your mistake.
Example: “I can't believe I let the dog out. I promise it won’t happen again.”

8. 😊 So, we’re good?

Definition: A way to confirm that your apology was accepted and everything is ok now.
Example: “I'll do better next time. So, we’re good?”

7 Idioms for Forgiving in English

Here are 7 expressions you can use to accept someone’s apology in English. These range from friendly phrases to heartfelt idioms that help you sound more natural, kind, and fluent when forgiving others.

1. 😊 It’s not a big deal

Definition: Used to say the mistake isn’t serious.
Example: “It will come out in the wash. It’s not a big deal!"

2. 😅 Don’t sweat it

Definition: A friendly and relaxed way to tell someone not to worry about their mistake.
Example: “You were only a few minutes late. Don’t sweat it!”

3.🥛 There’s no use crying over spilled milk

Definition: There’s no point in being upset about something small that can’t be changed.
Example: “I know the file got deleted, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk.”

4.🤝 Let bygones be bygones

Definition: To forget past mistakes or arguments and move forward peacefully.
Example: “We’ve both made mistakes. Let’s let bygones be bygones.”

5.🌉 It’s water under the bridge

Definition: The issue already occurred in the past and is not worth worrying about anymore.
Example: “Don’t stress about what happened last week. It’s water under the bridge now.”

6.🫶 No hard feelings

Definition: Reassures the other person that you’re not angry or holding a grudge.
Example: “No hard feelings. I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”

7.🎣 I’ll let you off the hook this time

Definition: A playful way to say you forgive them this time, but maybe not next time.
Example: “You forgot to call me back, but I’ll let you off the hook this time.”

🎥 Watch the Idioms in Action

Now that you’ve learned these idioms, it’s time to see how they sound in real-life situations! Watch the short skit below to hear how native speakers use these expressions naturally in conversation.

🌟 To Wrap Things Up

Now you’ve learned 15 fun and natural ways to apologize and forgive in English. You’ve gotten to understand their definitions, read examples in context, and seen how they’re used in real conversations through an idiom skit. The next step is to start using them yourself! Be sure to review the expressions, rewatch the video, and practice using them through writing and speaking until they feel natural and automatic.

Ready to Master Using English Idioms?

If you’d like more guidance and practice with these idioms and more, I’d love to invite you to join my English Fluency Community, where you’ll get full access to my English Idioms Course.

What Does the Course Include?

💡 Deeper explanations of every idiom
💬 More examples in real contexts
🧩 Interactive quizzes
🗣️ Speaking & writing activities with Peach, my AI Chatbot — so you can actually practice using these idioms to prepare for real-life situations.

English Fluency Community Also Includes:

All my English courses (updated regularly)
Daily English study activities (listening, reading, writing, and speaking)
Unlimited access to the Peach AI Chatbot
And a FREE Premium Ticket (worth $10) to my Understand Fast English Bootcamp on December 6th, 2025