hold grudges

[/hoʊld ɡrʌdʒɪz/]
verb phrase
guardar rancor
1. to maintain anger, resentment, or ill feelings toward someone for a long time, refusing to forgive or forget a past wrong
She holds grudges against anyone who betrays her trust.
Ela guarda rancor contra qualquer pessoa que trai sua confiança.
2. to persistently harbor negative feelings about something that happened in the past
He's been holding a grudge since their argument last year.
Ele tem guardado um rancor desde a discussão no ano passado.
In both American and Brazilian cultures, holding grudges is generally viewed negatively, associated with immaturity or bitterness. However, it's a common human experience. In Brazilian culture, there's often an emphasis on reconciliation and moving forward ('virar a página'), making grudge-holding seen as particularly counterproductive. The phrase is frequently used in discussions about relationships, workplace conflicts, and family dynamics.
NYC Slang
stay salty
Synonyms / Sinônimos
bear a grudgenurture resentmentstay bitterharbor ill willhold resentment
Antonyms / Antônimos
forgivelet gomake amendsreconcileforget past wrongs

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
guardar rancor
most common translation used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
guardar mágoa
alternative expression meaning to hold hurt feelings
Rio de Janeiro
ficar de mau olho
colloquial alternative meaning to look unfavorably upon someone
Portugal
guardar rancor
same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'manter ressentimento'

Related Words

resentmentrancorbitternessgrudgeforgivenessgrudge-holdingrevenge

Related Idioms & Phrases

hold a grudge against someone
bear a grudge
nurse a grudge
old grudges die hard
let bygones be bygones (opposite)
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