To bear a grudge
Meaning
To harbor feelings of resentment or ill will towards someone for a past offense.
Origin
Imagine an era where emotions felt like physical weights, burdens carried upon the soul. The word 'grudge' itself, first surfacing in English in the 16th century, evolved from the Old French 'grouchier,' meaning to grumble or murmur with discontent. It speaks of a low, persistent hum of dissatisfaction, a quiet complaint that festers. When we 'bear' something, we carry its weight, often with effort. So, 'to bear a grudge' paints a vivid picture: not just a fleeting annoyance, but a heavy, continuous load of unresolved resentment, dragged through days, weeks, or even years, poisoning the carrier more than the intended target. It's the conscious act of holding onto past hurt, a self-imposed emotional burden.
Examples
- After their argument, she continued to bear a grudge against her colleague, making work interactions tense.
- It's unhealthy to bear a grudge for years; sometimes, forgiveness is the best path forward.