hold a grudge

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a grudge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation in which someone is unable to let go of and therefore continues to harbor a feeling of resentment toward someone or something. For example: "Tim has held a grudge against his former employer ever since he was laid off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hold a grudge, boy".

The New Yorker

Tammy would hold a grudge".

The New York Times - Books

Hold a grudge?

The New York Times - Sports

Would he hold a grudge?

The New York Times - Arts

I don't want to hold a grudge".

The New Yorker

But I don't hold a grudge.

The New York Times - Sports

"But we don't hold a grudge," he said again.

The New Yorker

Still, Jacobs said Monday that he doesn't hold a grudge.

The New York Times

I didn't hear back but do not hold a grudge.

The New York Times - Books

Yet Miss Bustamante, now 21, does not hold a grudge.

The Economist

I'm not going to hold a grudge against the guy".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold a grudge" when you want to emphasize the act of maintaining resentment over time, rather than just feeling resentful in the moment.

Common error

Be careful not to mistake assertiveness for holding a grudge. Assertiveness involves standing up for yourself and your rights, whereas "holding a grudge" involves dwelling on past wrongs and harboring resentment, which can be detrimental to your well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a grudge" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of maintaining resentment or ill-will towards someone due to a past offense. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid and commonly used English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold a grudge" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of maintaining resentment towards someone for a past wrong. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in English. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral tone suitable for various situations. While forgiveness is often encouraged, understanding when and why someone "holds a grudge" is essential for navigating interpersonal relationships. Remember to avoid confusing assertiveness with the act of "holding a grudge", as the former involves self-advocacy, while the latter involves dwelling on past wrongs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bear a grudge

Uses a different verb ("bear") to convey the same meaning of maintaining resentment.

harbor resentment

Focuses on the internal feeling of resentment rather than the act of holding onto it.

nurse a grievance

Implies carefully maintaining and fostering a feeling of injustice.

remain bitter

Emphasizes the lingering negative emotion resulting from a past offense.

stay resentful

Highlights the continued state of feeling wronged and aggrieved.

carry a torch

Metaphorically suggests maintaining strong feelings, often negative, about a past event or person.

not forgive easily

Focuses on the difficulty in granting forgiveness, a key aspect of holding a grudge.

be unforgiving

Describes a general disposition towards not forgiving offenses.

cling to resentment

Suggests a strong attachment to negative feelings, making it hard to let go.

sustain animosity

Implies actively maintaining hostile feelings over time.

FAQs

What does it mean to "hold a grudge"?

To "hold a grudge" means to maintain a feeling of resentment or bitterness towards someone because of something they have done in the past. It implies an unwillingness to forgive and move on.

What are some synonyms for "hold a grudge"?

Alternatives include "bear a grudge", "harbor resentment", or "nurse a grievance". Each carries slightly different nuances of meaning.

Is it better to "hold a grudge" or to forgive?

Generally, forgiveness is considered healthier for your mental and emotional well-being. "Holding a grudge" can lead to stress, anxiety, and damaged relationships. However, forgiveness is a personal choice and can take time.

How can I stop "holding a grudge"?

Strategies include acknowledging your feelings, practicing empathy, communicating assertively, and focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past. Consider seeking professional help if you find it difficult to let go.