A person ‘holds a grudge’ when he or she goes on feeling resentment towards someone for a wrong that person did long ago. Which of the following situations is the best example of holding a grudge?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Neeraj still refuses to speak to his cousin because, eight years ago, she broke his new bicycle during a family wedding.
Holding a grudge has three parts: someone did a wrong to the person, the wrong happened long ago, and the person still feels resentment towards that someone.
In Option (4) the cousin broke Neeraj’s bicycle, it happened eight years ago, and Neeraj still refuses to speak to her. All three parts are present.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Neeraj is angry with his cousin because she broke his new bicycle this morning. — Incorrect. The wrong happened this morning, not long ago.
Option (2) Eight years ago, Neeraj’s cousin broke his bicycle; today the two of them laugh about it together. — Incorrect. The wrong is old, but Neeraj feels no resentment now.
Option (3) Neeraj has disliked spicy food since he was a small child. — Incorrect. This is a dislike of food, not resentment towards a person for a wrong.