THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Make amends
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Do something to put right a wrong or show that you are sorry.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I offered to replace the mug to make amends for breaking it.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I offered to replace the mug to ________ for breaking it.
Show the answer
Make amends — Do something to put right a wrong or show that you are sorry.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Make amends” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Do something to put right a wrong or show that you are sorry.
Compare: I offered to replace the mug to make amends for breaking it.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression when an apology is followed by an effort to repair harm. It fits personal conversations and general writing.
More examples in context
- She made amends by correcting the error and contacting everyone affected.
- He wants to make amends to his neighbour for the damage.
Usage note
Keep the final “s” in “amends”. Use “for” before the wrong and “to” before the person affected; “by” can introduce the action taken.
A short conversation
A: I’m sorry I left you to clear up alone.
B: Could you help set up the room next time?
A: Of course. I’d like to make amends.
One more practice question
Which action is an attempt to make amends for damaging a borrowed book?
A. Pretending the damage never happened.
B. Replacing the damaged copy.
Check your answer
B. Replacing the book is an effort to repair the harm.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.