Business English from All Ears English BE 502: It's Water Under the Bridge - How to Accept an Apology at Work
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Dec 11, 2025 Explore the art of forgiveness in the workplace and why it's crucial for maintaining professionalism. The hosts break down the idiom 'water under the bridge,' sharing its relevance to moving forward after conflicts. Learn effective ways to accept apologies with real-life examples, and discover the importance of timing in these interactions. They also compare various phrases for accepting apologies and perform a role play to illustrate the process. This insightful discussion emphasizes the nuances of reconciliation in business settings.
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Forgiveness Clears Space For Work
- "Water under the bridge" means an offense is forgotten and no longer matters.
- Using it clears space to continue working together professionally.
Be The Bigger Person At Work
- Do be the bigger person and move past interpersonal issues at work.
- Do acknowledge the offense then say it's okay so collaboration can continue.
Only Say It When You Mean It
- Avoid using the phrase if you don't genuinely feel forgiving.
- Wait until you've received an apology and had time to process before saying it.