holds a grudge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holds a grudge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who continues to feel resentment or anger towards someone else for a past offense or injury. Example: "Even after all these years, she still holds a grudge against him for what he did in high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Static holds a grudge.

The New Yorker

I'm a guy who holds a grudge".

The New York Times

Am I the only one who holds a grudge?

The New York Times

But not everyone holds a grudge against the Marlins.

The New York Times - Sports

"Knowing Alex Ferguson, though, he probably holds a grudge".

The Guardian - Sport

If your friend still holds a grudge after your talk, move on.

The New York Times

It turns out the guy is thin-skinned and holds a grudge".

The New York Times

Not that Meehan holds a grudge, life being too short and all that.

Independent

Unless Mr Harshbarger is the kind of guy who holds a grudge.

The Economist

He wonders whether Michaels still holds a grudge for his exit.

The Washington Post

Mbonga holds a grudge against Tarzan, which we learn about in flashbacks.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holds a grudge", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the grudge and the target of the resentment. This provides clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "holds a grudge" to describe fleeting anger or disappointment. A grudge implies a long-lasting, deeply rooted resentment that significantly impacts the relationship between individuals or entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holds a grudge" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate that describes a subject's enduring resentment or animosity. It denotes a state of maintaining negative feelings over time. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "holds a grudge" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone who harbors long-lasting resentment. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's generally considered unhealthy to "hold a grudge", the phrase itself is a neutral way to describe this state. Alternatives like "harbors resentment" or "bears a grudge" offer nuanced variations, but "holds a grudge" remains a clear and widely understood way to convey the persistence of negative feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bears a grudge

Substitutes "holds" with "bears", another verb that implies carrying something negative.

harbors resentment

Replaces "grudge" with "resentment" and uses "harbors" to convey the holding of negative feelings.

nurtures resentment

Emphasizes the act of actively fostering and maintaining feelings of resentment.

nurses a grievance

Replaces "grudge" with "grievance" and uses "nurses" to suggest carefully maintaining the negative feeling.

retains animosity

Uses more formal vocabulary to express a similar sentiment.

is unforgiving

Highlights the unwillingness to forgive, a key aspect of holding a grudge.

remains bitter

Focuses on the resulting emotion (bitterness) rather than the act of holding a grudge.

clings to bitterness

Highlights the unwillingness to let go of negative feelings, emphasizing the persistence of the grudge.

has a long memory

Implies holding a grudge by suggesting the person remembers offenses for a long time.

carries a vendetta

Suggests a more active and prolonged pursuit of revenge.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "holds a grudge"?

To say someone "holds a grudge" means they harbor resentment or ill will towards another person for a past offense or perceived wrong. It suggests a lingering feeling of anger and a reluctance to forgive.

How can I tell if someone "holds a grudge" against me?

Signs that someone "holds a grudge" might include consistently negative behavior towards you, reluctance to engage in positive interactions, frequent reminders of past offenses, or an unwillingness to forgive. It's best to address the issue directly if possible.

What are some alternatives to saying someone "holds a grudge"?

You can use alternatives like "harbors resentment", "bears a grudge", "nurses a grievance", or "remains bitter" depending on the context.

Is it healthy to "hold a grudge"?

Generally, it is not considered healthy to "hold a grudge". It can lead to increased stress, negative emotions, and strained relationships. Forgiveness and letting go of past grievances are often recommended for emotional well-being.