hold a grudge

/hoʊld ə ɡrʌdʒ/

to stay angry or resentful toward someone

She still holds a grudge against her ex-boyfriend for cheating on her.

She remains resentful toward her ex-boyfriend because he was unfaithful.

◆ What It Really Means

To continue feeling anger or resentment toward someone because of a past wrongdoing.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically keep or maintain a grudge (as if it were an object).

Literal Breakdown

holdto keep or maintain+a grudgea feeling of resentment

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of physically holding onto something negative, like a heavy burden or a record of wrongdoing.

◈ When to Use

A friend confesses to you that they are still angry at someone who hurt them years ago, and you tell them they need to stop holding a grudge.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase reflects the cultural idea that holding onto anger can be harmful and that forgiveness is often encouraged.

informal

To continue feeling anger or resentment toward someone because of a past wrongdoing.

After years of holding a grudge, he finally forgave his brother for the betrayal.

After years of resentment, he decided to forgive his brother for the betrayal.

It's unhealthy to hold a grudge for so long; you should let it go.

It's not good for your well-being to stay angry for so long; you should move on.

This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe lingering resentment.

Collocations

hold a grudge against someoneto feel resentment toward a specific personhold a grudge for yearsto remain resentful for a long period

Synonyms

bear a grudge nurse a grudge keep a grudge hold resentment

Antonyms

forgive let go forget pardon

Related Phrases

bear a grudgephrase

to hold resentment

nurse a grudgephrase

to keep resentment alive

Pro Tip

Avoid holding grudges

Holding grudges can negatively impact your mental health and relationships. Try to forgive and move on.

Gold Rule

Use in appropriate contexts

This phrase is best used when discussing emotional conflicts or past wrongdoings.

Word Origin

The phrase 'hold a grudge' comes from the idea of keeping a mental record of a wrongdoing, as if holding onto it physically.

Usage Notes

This phrase is often used to describe emotional baggage from past conflicts. It can be used in both serious and lighthearted contexts.

Word Breakdown

hold

to keep or maintain

verb

a grudge

a feeling of resentment or ill will

noun phrase

English Dictionary

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