hold against
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To keep being angry at someone because of something bad they did before, and not forgive them.
Literal meaning: To press something physically against a surface — the sense of keeping blame 'pressed' against someone is a metaphorical extension.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To feel ongoing resentment or blame toward someone for something they have done, and to allow it to affect your relationship with them.
"I know you made a mistake back then, but I promise I won't hold it against you."
"I don't hold it against her. She was young."
— Widely attested pattern in film/TV dialogue, including The Crown and various dramas
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Almost always used in negative or question forms: 'I won't hold it against you' or 'Don't hold it against me.' The object is typically 'it' or a specific action. Very common in spoken English.
Commonly used with
mistake past decision background record history
Forms
Base
hold against
I/you/we/they
3rd person
holds against
he/she/it
Past simple
held against
yesterday
Past participle
held against
have + pp
-ing form
holding against
continuous
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