To continue to feel resentment or blame toward someone because of something they did in the past.
To keep being angry at someone because of something bad they did before, and not forgive them.
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
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
To press something physically against a surface — the sense of keeping blame 'pressed' against someone is a metaphorical extension.
To keep being angry at someone because of something bad they did before, and not forgive them.
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "hold against" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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