hard pass
/hɑːrd pæs/
Meaning
A firm, definitive refusal of an offer, invitation, or suggestion. It is used when someone has absolutely no interest in doing something, often in a lighthearted, sarcastic, or casual way. It signals that there is zero room for negotiation.
Examples
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An all-day meeting on a Saturday? That's a hard pass from me.
An all-day meeting on a Saturday? That's a hard pass from me.
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They asked if I wanted to go camping in the freezing rain, but I decided to take a hard pass.
They asked if I wanted to go camping in the freezing rain, but I decided to take a hard pass.
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Do you want some leftover vegan meatloaf? Thanks, but hard pass.
Do you want some leftover vegan meatloaf? Thanks, but hard pass.
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I'll take a hard pass on any rollercoasters; they make me incredibly motion sick.
I'll take a hard pass on any rollercoasters; they make me incredibly motion sick.
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When they offered me the job with no paid time off, it was an immediate hard pass.
When they offered me the job with no paid time off, it was an immediate hard pass.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I made a hard pass on the offer.
✓ I took a hard pass on the offer.
The standard collocation is 'to take a hard pass' or 'to be a hard pass', not 'to make'.
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✗ I don't want to go, so I hard passed.
✓ I don't want to go, so I'll pass.
'Hard pass' is typically used as a noun phrase, not as a conjugated verb.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Do you want to go to the horror movie tonight? ___, I hate being scared!
💡 A firm, casual way to say no.
Show answer
Hard pass
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I think I'll take a ___ on that extra shift this weekend; I need some rest.
💡 Fill in the noun phrase used with 'take a'.
Show answer
hard pass