bleed for
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To feel so sorry for someone that it hurts you too.
Literal meaning: To literally bleed in someone's name — suffer or sacrifice for them.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To feel genuine and deep compassion or sorrow for someone's suffering.
"I bleed for the families who lost everything in the earthquake."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
Used sarcastically to show that one does NOT feel sympathy for someone.
"Oh, you only got a two percent pay rise? My heart bleeds for you."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost always used figuratively in modern English. Implies empathy so deep it feels like a physical ache. Can also be used sarcastically to mean the opposite ('My heart bleeds for you'). The sarcastic use is quite common in British English and should be learned alongside the sincere sense.
Commonly used with
heart victims children country people suffering
Forms
Base
bleed for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bleeds for
he/she/it
Past simple
bleeded for
yesterday
Past participle
bleeded for
have + pp
-ing form
bleeding for
continuous
Understand "bleed for" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "bleed for" on Looplines