"Bear a grudge against" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that refers to the act of harboring or holding on to negative feelings, resentment, or hostility towards someone or something. The phrase is often used interchangeably with "nurse a grudge against" or "hold a grudge against."
When someone bears a grudge against another person, it means they are resentful and unwilling to forgive or forget a perceived wrongdoing or offense committed by that person. The person who bears the grudge carries deep-seated negative emotions, often seeking retribution or desiring to inflict harm on the individual they hold the grudge against, either emotionally or physically.
This expression goes beyond a temporary feeling of anger or disappointment as it implies a long-lasting, ongoing resentment that affects the dynamics of the relationship between the parties involved. Those who bear grudges may exhibit behaviors such as avoiding or intentionally excluding the person they hold the grudge against, speaking ill of them behind their back, or seeking opportunities to undermine or cause distress to the person they resent.
Grudges are usually fueled by a sense of injustice or a perceived personal affront, and they can fester and intensify over time if not addressed or resolved. Often, bearing a grudge can have negative consequences for the person holding the resentment, leading to increased stress, discomfort, and strained interpersonal relationships.
It is important to note that the term "bear a grudge against" can also be used to describe a collective or group resentment towards an organization, institution, or a community, reflecting a prolonged dissatisfaction or anger towards a specific entity.
