never ask pardon before you are accused
Apologizing for something before someone has laid blame on you for it only ensures that you are thought of as the guilty party. A: "I accidentally scratched his car pulling out of the parking lot last night. Should I offer to pay for it?" B: "Never ask pardon before you're accused. He might not even notice."
Never ask pardon before you are accused.
Prov. Do not apologize for something if nobody knows that you did it, because by apologizing, you are admitting that you did it. Alan: Should I apologize to Jane for losing the necktie she gave me? Jane: Wait and see if she asks you what happened to the necktie. Never ask pardon before you are accused.