pardonable error
[/ˈpɑːrdənəbl ˈɛrər/]
noun phrasepl: pardonable errors
erro perdoável
1. A mistake or fault that is understandable, forgivable, or excusable under the circumstances; an error that does not warrant serious punishment or blame
His lateness was a pardonable error given the terrible traffic conditions.
Sua demora foi um erro perdoável dadas as condições terríveis do trânsito.
2. In legal or formal contexts, an inadvertent or unintentional mistake that can be overlooked or forgiven
The court considered the procedural mistake a pardonable error and allowed the case to proceed.
O tribunal considerou o erro processual um erro perdoável e permitiu que o caso prosseguisse.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian English legal, academic, and business contexts to distinguish between minor mistakes and serious violations. In Brazil, it often appears in educational and professional settings when discussing performance evaluations or legal matters. The concept reflects a pragmatic approach to error management, acknowledging human fallibility while maintaining standards of accountability.
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