cling to resentment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cling to resentment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of holding onto feelings of anger or bitterness towards someone or something for an extended period. Example: "Despite the passage of time, she continued to cling to resentment over the betrayal, making it difficult for her to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, remaining a victim by clinging to past resentment is a choice we make.

Huffington Post

Immigrants with ties to South Korea, too, cling to their nationality, in part because of lingering resentment of Japan's brutal 1910-1945 colonial rule of Korea, and because of continuing discrimination against people of foreign ancestry.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama, competing against Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Pennsylvania primary to be held on Tuesday, touched this nerve in his description of small-town voters who "cling" to their guns and their religion in their resentment over lost jobs.

The New York Times

Teetering between empathy and resentment, Mr. Kasher understands all too well how people cling to bad situations.

The New York Times - Arts

"They cling to you".

The New York Times - Sports

They cling to their faith.

The New Yorker

They cling to the tightrope.

The New York Times - Sports

They cling to that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"People cling to mammograms.

The New York Times

They cling to mansions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It had to cling to dance rhythms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cling to resentment", consider the intensity and duration of the feeling you want to convey. It suggests a strong and persistent attachment to negative emotions. Ask yourself if it’s the most appropriate expression, or if a more nuanced term might be more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "cling to resentment" in contexts where a milder term like "disappointment" or "frustration" would suffice. Overusing emotionally charged language can weaken your writing and make it sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cling to resentment" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of persistently holding onto negative feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically involves a subject (a person or group) who is actively maintaining these feelings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cling to resentment" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of persistently holding onto negative emotions like anger and bitterness. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI indicates that it is a relatively rare phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "harbor ill will" or "nurse a grudge" for a nuanced expression. When using the phrase, be mindful of the emotional intensity it conveys and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and message of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cling to bitterness

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the bitterness.

hold onto bitterness

Emphasizes the painful and negative emotional state.

nurture resentment

Implies careful cultivation and preservation of resentment.

harbor ill will

Focuses on the intention and negative feeling held.

bear a grudge

Highlights the act of carrying resentment over time.

feed resentment

Suggests actively fueling the feelings of resentment.

nurse a grudge

Suggests actively maintaining and feeding the resentment.

foster animosity

Indicates actively encouraging and growing feelings of hostility.

maintain animosity

Focuses on the continuous nature of the hostile feeling.

hold on to animosity

Highlights the act of maintaining animosity.

FAQs

What does "cling to resentment" mean?

The phrase "cling to resentment" describes the act of holding onto feelings of anger, bitterness, or ill will towards someone or something for an extended period. It suggests a persistent and often unhealthy attachment to negative emotions.

How can I use "cling to resentment" in a sentence?

You can use "cling to resentment" to describe a character's internal state or to analyze a social phenomenon. For example: "Despite the apology, she continued to cling to resentment over his past actions."

What are some alternatives to "cling to resentment"?

You can use alternatives like "harbor ill will", "nurse a grudge", or "hold onto bitterness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "cling to resentment" or to forgive?

While "cling to resentment" implies holding onto negative emotions, forgiveness involves letting go of those feelings. Forgiveness is often considered a healthier and more constructive approach for personal well-being and relationships. Choosing to not "nurse a grudge" can lead to emotional freedom.