harbor resentment
/ˈhɑː.bər rɪˈzent.mənt/
Meaning
To 'harbor resentment' means to hold onto feelings of anger, bitterness, or ill-will toward someone over a long period, often secretly or silently. The verb 'harbor' suggests keeping these negative feelings safe and hidden deep inside, like a ship in a harbor, allowing them to grow over time rather than expressing or resolving them.
Examples
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If you don't talk about what's bothering you, you'll only harbor resentment toward your partner.
If you don't talk about what's bothering you, you'll only harbor resentment toward your partner.
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She continued to harbor resentment against her former employer long after she was laid off.
She continued to harbor resentment against her former employer long after she was laid off.
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It is unhealthy to harbor resentment over minor misunderstandings.
It is unhealthy to harbor resentment over minor misunderstandings.
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He managed to forgive his brother instead of harboring resentment for years.
He managed to forgive his brother instead of harboring resentment for years.
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The team members began to harbor resentment toward their manager due to the unfair workload.
The team members began to harbor resentment toward their manager due to the unfair workload.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She is keeping resentment to her sister.
✓ She is harboring resentment toward her sister.
While 'keeping' is grammatically possible, 'harboring resentment' is the natural, advanced collocation. The preposition is typically 'toward' or 'against'.
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✗ I don't want to harbor a resentment.
✓ I don't want to harbor resentment.
'Resentment' is typically used as an uncountable noun in this context, so the indefinite article 'a' is omitted.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Instead of talking it out, he chose to ___ against his colleagues.
💡 To hold onto bitter feelings secretly over time.
Show answer
harbor resentment
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It's hard to move forward in a relationship when both parties still ___.
💡 Retain deep-seated anger or bitterness.
Show answer
harbor resentment