No Harm, No Foul

What Does "No Harm, No Foul" Mean?

"No harm, no foul" is an English idiom. It is a phrase used to indicate that if no harm or damage has been done, there is no need to be upset or take offense.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "no harm, no foul" used in a sentence:

• He accidentally bumped into her, but it was a minor collision, and she said, 'No harm, no foul.'
• The misunderstanding was quickly cleared up, and they both laughed it off, saying, 'No harm, no foul.'
• In a friendly game of basketball, some physical contact is expected, and players often say, 'No harm, no foul.'

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "No Harm, No Foul" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

You now know what "no harm, no foul" means, but are you good at English idioms? Let's see! Show Instructions