No harm, no foul: Learn what the means through example!

What does “No harm, no foul” mean?

"No harm, no foul" means that if no one is hurt or offended by something, then there is no need to be upset or angry about it.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He accidentally bumped into me, but no harm, no foul.

Example

They made a mistake with my order, but no harm, no foul since they fixed it quickly.

Example

I didn't mean to step on her foot, but she wasn't hurt, so no harm, no foul

Is “No harm, no foul” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“No harm, no foul” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “No harm, no foul” effectively in context?

You can use "No harm, no foul" to express that if no one is hurt or offended by something, then there is no need to be upset or angry about it. For example, if someone accidentally spills a drink on you but you're not bothered by it, you might say, 'No harm, no foul.'

• 1. Apology

  He accidentally bumped into me, but no harm, no foul.

• 2. Mistake

  They made a mistake with my order, but no harm, no foul since they fixed it quickly.

• 3. Accident

  I didn't mean to step on her foot, but she wasn't hurt, so no harm, no foul.

Similar phrases to “No harm, no foul”:

Water under the bridge

To refer to past events or issues that are no longer important or relevant

Example

We had an argument, but it's all water under the bridge now.

Let bygones be bygones

To forgive and forget past grievances or conflicts

Example

We had our differences, but let's just let bygones be bygones.

Forgive and forget

To pardon someone and move on without holding grudges

Example

She apologized sincerely, so I decided to forgive and forget.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “No harm, no foul” come from?

The origin of the phrase "No harm, no foul" is unknown.

Is “No harm, no foul” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "No harm, no foul" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to downplay minor incidents or mistakes and emphasize that there are no negative consequences.

What tone does “No harm, no foul” have?

"No harm, no foul" conveys a tone of forgiveness and understanding. It suggests that as long as no harm is done, there is no reason to hold grudges or be upset.

Can “No harm, no foul” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "No harm, no foul" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of letting go of minor issues. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as professional meetings or emails.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He accidentally spilled coffee on me, but no harm, no foul.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'No harm, no foul!' to imply that there are no hard feelings.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• no harm done
• no offense taken
• no problem
• it's all good
• it's okay

Antonyms

• problem
• harm done
• offense taken
• it's not okay