spite

cut off your nose to spite your face

to do something because you are angry, even if it will cause trouble for you. 'The next time he treats me like that, I'm just going to quit my job.' 'Isn't that a bit like cutting off your nose to spite your face?'

See also: cut, face, nose

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cut off your nose to spite your face

to hurt yourself in an effort to punish someone else. If you stay home because your ex-husband will be at the party, aren't you just cutting off your nose to spite your face?

See also: cut, face, nose

in spite of something

even while recognizing something bad. In spite of the problems they’ve faced, they are happy with the life they lead. The drug maker won't change the labeling on its product, in spite of six recent deaths tied to the drug.

Usage notes: used to say that the something bad will not strongly influence you