1
general::
Phrase(s): hold something against someone
Fig. to blame something on someone; to bear a grudge against someone; to resent someone. • Your brother is mean to me, but I can’t hold it against you. • You’re holding something against me. What is it?, Phrase(s): hold something against someone or something
1. Lit. to press something against someone, a group, or something. • Max held the gun against the bank guard’s head and threatened to pull the trigger. • Fred held the drill against the wall and turned it on. 2. Fig. to think badly of someone, a group, or something because of something. • I am the one who dented your fender. I’m sorry. I hope you don’t hold it against me. • I hold all this mess against the government.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Think badly of someone because of some fault or occurrence. For example, Even if you're late, I won't hold it against you, or She backed right into his new car, so he's bound to hold it against her. Also see BEAR A GRUDGE.
American Heritage Idioms