Meaning
Used to say that you are not angry or upset about a past disagreement.
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'no hard feelings' is often used to separate personal relationships from professional decisions. It's part of the 'it's just business' philosophy. Brits might use this phrase with a bit of 'stiff upper lip'—meaning they might actually have hard feelings but will say they don't to keep the peace. Australians often use 'no hard feelings' in sports. It's very important to be a 'good sport' and not hold a grudge after a physical game. On apps like Slack or Discord, 'no hard feelings' is often shortened to 'nhf' in very casual text-based communities.
Use it as a question
If you aren't sure if the other person is still mad, say 'No hard feelings?' with a rising tone. It invites them to agree.
Don't use for big mistakes
If you crashed someone's car, 'no hard feelings' is too casual. Use a real apology instead.
Meaning
Used to say that you are not angry or upset about a past disagreement.
Use it as a question
If you aren't sure if the other person is still mad, say 'No hard feelings?' with a rising tone. It invites them to agree.
Don't use for big mistakes
If you crashed someone's car, 'no hard feelings' is too casual. Use a real apology instead.
The 'Between Us' addition
Adding 'between us' makes the phrase feel more sincere and personal. 'I hope there are no hard feelings between us.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
I'm sorry I can't go to your wedding, but I hope there are no hard _______.
The idiom is always plural: 'hard feelings.'
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: You beat your brother at a video game and he looks a bit sad.
'No hard feelings' is used to comfort someone after they lose.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I'm sorry, I have to cancel our lunch.' B: 'That's okay! ________.'
This is the standard way to accept a cancellation politely.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Feelings' is plural, so we use 'are' and 'feelings.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI'm sorry I can't go to your wedding, but I hope there are no hard _______.
The idiom is always plural: 'hard feelings.'
Situation: You beat your brother at a video game and he looks a bit sad.
'No hard feelings' is used to comfort someone after they lose.
A: 'I'm sorry, I have to cancel our lunch.' B: 'That's okay! ________.'
This is the standard way to accept a cancellation politely.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Feelings' is plural, so we use 'are' and 'feelings.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not an apology. It's a statement that you aren't angry. You can apologize AND say no hard feelings, but they are different things.
No, that doesn't exist in English. The opposite of 'hard feelings' is just 'no hard feelings' or 'good feelings.'
Yes, it's very common in professional settings to show you are being objective and not taking things personally.
If they say 'Actually, I am still upset,' then the phrase didn't work. You should listen to why they are upset.
Always plural: 'feelings.'
Yes, but usually if *they* rejected *your* idea. If you reject your boss's idea, be more formal.
It can if your voice is mean. But usually, it sounds very friendly and helpful.
The most common slang version is 'We're good' or 'It's all good.'
Yes, it's a very common way to try and stay friends after a relationship ends.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or with colleagues.
Related Phrases
No offense
similarDon't be insulted by what I'm about to say.
Water under the bridge
synonymPast events that cannot be changed and should be forgotten.
Let bygones be bygones
synonymForget past disagreements.
No worries
similarIt's okay; don't worry about it.
