take a grudge

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a grudge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to convey that someone is holding a grudge against another person or group; bearing a negative feeling or attitude. For example: "Despite all of the apologies, she was still unwilling to take a grudge against her former friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He could rematch Cruz for the title or he could take a grudge match with his former mentor Urijah Faber.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For some people who hold high standards and deep grudges, it can take a lifetime but you don't need to judge yourself by their inability to forgive.

WikiHow

Don't put a stumbling block before the blind, don't insult the deaf, don't hate your brother/sister in your heart, don't hold a grudge or take revenge, and of course, love your neighbor as yourself.

Huffington Post

What I have learned is that to hold a grudge against someone takes energy, like if I were holding a heavy object against a wall, I would have to exert effort to maintain the object there.

Huffington Post

Along the way, she takes a lover with a grudge against her family.

The Guardian

Vidal knew how to hold a grudge and even took two of his adversaries, Truman Capote and William F Buckley Jr, to court, which seems a rather spoilsport move though he's not the only author to have done so.

BBC

Deborah Jacobs, legal director of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, who happens to live and park in Montclair, said, "Obviously, a citizen could have a grudge against someone and take advantage of that, although police officers hold grudges, too".

The New York Times

Douglas-Roberts said he wouldn't hold a grudge, even if Calipari takes his new recruits with him to Kentucky and leaves the Memphis shelf bare.

The New York Times - Sports

But however he does, he is not likely to scare Armstrong, who seems tough, determined and unstoppable, with enough energy left over to take care of a grudge.

The New York Times - Sports

Hold a grudge?

The New York Times - Sports

"Never carry a grudge!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "take a grudge" is understandable, consider using the more common and widely recognized phrase "hold a grudge" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "take a grudge" in situations requiring formal language. Opt for more neutral or professional alternatives like "harbor resentment" or "bear a grievance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a grudge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of harboring or assuming a state of resentment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it's less common than alternatives like "hold a grudge".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct and usable according to Ludwig AI, the phrase "take a grudge" is not as common as alternatives like "hold a grudge" or "bear a grudge". It generally implies harboring resentment. Its use is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. For more formal situations, consider using alternative phrases to maintain a professional tone and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold a grudge

A more common and direct synonym for "take a grudge".

Bear a grudge

Similar to "hold a grudge", offering a formal alternative.

Harbor resentment

Replaces "take a grudge" with a more common expression for holding negative feelings.

Carry a resentment

Implies the burden of holding onto negative feelings.

Nurture a grievance

Emphasizes the act of actively maintaining a feeling of resentment.

Nurse a grudge

Implies carefully tending to a feeling of resentment.

Maintain bitterness

Focuses on the sustained emotional state of bitterness.

Cling to resentment

Emphasizes the difficulty of letting go of negative feelings.

Cherish animosity

Highlights the act of valuing and protecting feelings of animosity.

Foster animosity

Suggests actively encouraging feelings of hostility.

FAQs

What does "take a grudge" mean?

The phrase "take a grudge" means to harbor or hold onto a feeling of resentment or ill-will towards someone due to a perceived wrong or offense. It's similar to "hold a grudge" or "bear a grudge".

Is it better to say "take a grudge" or "hold a grudge"?

While "take a grudge" is grammatically correct, "hold a grudge" is the more common and widely accepted phrase. Using "hold a grudge" will likely result in clearer communication.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of holding a grudge?

Instead of "take a grudge", you could say "harbor resentment", "nurse a grudge", or "cling to resentment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts might "take a grudge" be appropriate?

While less common, "take a grudge" could be used in informal conversation or creative writing. However, in formal or professional contexts, it's generally advisable to opt for more standard expressions like "bear a grudge".