Learn English – “RATHER THAN forgive AND forget” what does it mean

phrase-usage

I sometimes try to get even rather than forgive and forget.

I know "rather than" but this one put on an "and". I'm confused with the sentence.

Best Answer

This sentence is talking about two options:

  1. Get even - which means to retaliate, to get revenge.
  2. Forgive and forget - which means to forgive the person who wronged you, and then act as though the wrong never happened.

When you are wronged, you can choose to [get even], or to [forgive and forget]. (Or you can choose to do neither and hold a grudge instead, but your original sentence doesn't mention that.)