(idiomatic, intransitive) To absolve somebody completely for a past wrongdoing; to pardon with neither resentment nor a view to retribution.

Extended form of to err is human

It is better to act decisively and apologize for it later than to seek approval to act and risk delay, objections, etc.

Alternative form of it's better to ask forgiveness than permission

(archaic) second-person singular simple present form of forgive