hold a grudge

hold a grudge

To harbor persistent and continual resentment or ill feelings toward someone, especially for some slight or wrongdoing they have committed in the past. Johnny has been holding a grudge against me since we were 12 because I embarrassed him in front of a girl he liked. Samantha is just so forgiving—I don't think she's ever held a grudge in her life!
See also: grudge, hold

hold a grudge

(against someone) Go to bear a grudge (against someone).
See also: grudge, hold
References in periodicals archive ?
You can hold a grudge for something as seemingly inoffensive as a less-than-flattering comment your in-law makes about your new shirt, or you can feel more aggrieved by that same in-law's leaving you off a baby shower invitation list.
Don't let grudges hurt your relationships
Sophie Hannah, who wrote 'How to Hold a Grudge', published January 1, loves them.
If you hold a grudge against sloppy Fred because he has been a messy drunk in your house, you don't have to stop being friends with sloppy Fred.
How to hold healthy grudges
I wish they hadn't done it, but I don't hold a grudge."
Devastated childhood friend still visits 'brother's' grave; EXCLUSIVE
Smith was axed mid-contract by Wigan before joining the Vikings, and after saying he didn't hold a grudge, he went on to basically say, er, he holds a grudge.
Rugby League: Widnes Vikings; Try's The Limit
Discuss how you feel when you hold a grudge by giving an example of doing that when you were a child or in the present time.
Teach children to forgive, let go of their grudges
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