do harm
يضر
Use `do harm` to describe causing damage or to reassure someone that a risk is low.
Em 15 segundos
- To cause damage, injury, or a negative result to something.
- Often used in the negative to reassure someone: 'No harm done.'
- Commonly used in medical, ethical, or professional advice contexts.
Significado
This phrase means to cause damage, injury, or a negative effect on someone or something. It is often used when talking about the consequences of an action or a decision.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Reassuring a friend who dropped a plastic cup
Don't worry about it; no harm done!
Don't worry about it; no harm done!
Giving medical advice
This medication is safe and won't do you any harm.
This medication is safe and won't do you any harm.
Discussing a bad business decision
The new policy actually did more harm than good.
The new policy actually did more harm than good.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply rooted in the medical 'Hippocratic Oath,' where physicians pledge to 'do no harm.' Because of this, the expression carries a sense of moral responsibility and ethical weight in English-speaking societies. It is frequently used in political and social debates regarding new laws or technologies.
The 'No Harm Done' Magic
If you make a small mistake and someone says 'No harm done,' stop apologizing immediately! It's the polite signal that the conversation is over.
Harm vs. Hurt
Use `harm` for general damage or consequences. Use `hurt` for physical pain. You 'hurt your knee,' you don't 'do harm to your knee.'
Em 15 segundos
- To cause damage, injury, or a negative result to something.
- Often used in the negative to reassure someone: 'No harm done.'
- Commonly used in medical, ethical, or professional advice contexts.
What It Means
To do harm is to cause a negative result. It can be physical pain or emotional damage. It also applies to abstract things like a reputation. Think of it as the opposite of helping. If an action makes a situation worse, it does harm.
How To Use It
You usually use it with a subject that causes the trouble. You can say 'The rain did harm to the crops.' You can also use it in the negative. 'It won't do any harm' is a very common way to say something is safe. It often pairs with words like any, great, or serious.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing risks or consequences. It fits perfectly in medical contexts or professional advice. Use it when you want to be clear about a bad outcome. It works well when debating a new idea. It is great for reassuring someone that a small mistake isn't a disaster.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for very tiny, funny accidents. If you spill water on a tile floor, don't say you did harm. That sounds too dramatic! Use it for things that actually matter. Avoid using it if you just mean 'to break' an object. Say 'I broke the vase,' not 'I did harm to the vase.'
Cultural Background
This phrase is famous because of the Hippocratic Oath. Doctors promise to 'first, do no harm.' This makes the phrase feel very ethical and serious. In Western culture, being careful not to do harm is seen as a sign of a responsible person. It is a foundational concept in law and medicine.
Common Variations
You will often hear do more harm than good. This means your 'help' actually made things worse. Another common one is no harm done. You say this when someone apologizes for a mistake that didn't cause trouble. It’s like saying 'don't worry about it!'
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile across all registers. Be careful not to confuse it with 'hurt' when referring to specific physical injuries.
The 'No Harm Done' Magic
If you make a small mistake and someone says 'No harm done,' stop apologizing immediately! It's the polite signal that the conversation is over.
Harm vs. Hurt
Use `harm` for general damage or consequences. Use `hurt` for physical pain. You 'hurt your knee,' you don't 'do harm to your knee.'
The Doctor's Rule
Native speakers often associate this phrase with doctors. Using it in a serious discussion makes you sound very ethical and thoughtful.
Exemplos
6Don't worry about it; no harm done!
Don't worry about it; no harm done!
A very common way to say 'it's okay' after a small accident.
This medication is safe and won't do you any harm.
This medication is safe and won't do you any harm.
Used to provide professional reassurance about safety.
The new policy actually did more harm than good.
The new policy actually did more harm than good.
A classic idiom meaning the result was the opposite of helpful.
I'll tell you, but promise it won't do any harm to our friendship.
I'll tell you, but promise it won't do any harm to our friendship.
Using 'harm' to describe emotional or relational damage.
One bite of this chili won't do much harm, but your tongue might disagree!
One bite of this chili won't do much harm, but your tongue might disagree!
Using the phrase to lightheartedly warn about a physical sensation.
Words can do great harm if you aren't careful.
Words can do great harm if you aren't careful.
A serious observation about the power of speech.
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the common idiom.
The extra meetings are unnecessary; they are doing more ___ than good.
The idiom 'do more harm than good' is a fixed expression in English.
Complete the sentence to reassure a colleague.
You forgot to CC me on the email? Don't worry, no ___ done.
'No harm done' is the standard phrase used when a mistake has no negative consequences.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Do Harm'
Used as 'No harm done' when someone spills a drink.
No harm done, mate!
General warnings or discussing consequences.
Will this rain do harm to the car?
Medical, legal, or ethical contexts.
The defendant intended to do harm.
Where to use 'Do Harm'
At the Doctor
Will this treatment do harm?
After a Mistake
No harm done!
Environmental Discussion
Pollution does harm to the ocean.
Relationship Advice
Lying will do harm to your trust.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt means to cause something bad to happen, like damage or injury. For example, 'Smoking will do harm to your lungs.'
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a professional report. It depends on the context.
It sounds a bit strange. For electronics, we usually say 'damaged.' Do harm is better for people, reputations, or environments.
It means your attempt to help actually made the situation worse. Like giving a thirsty plant too much water until it dies.
If the mistake wasn't serious, say 'No harm done.' This tells the other person not to worry.
Not exactly. Hurt is usually about physical pain ('My arm hurts'). Harm is about broader damage ('The scandal did harm to his career').
Yes! You can say 'The harsh words did harm to her confidence.' It is very common for emotions.
The opposite is 'do good' or 'be helpful.' For example, 'Exercise will do you good.'
This is a famous medical rule for doctors. It means it is better to do nothing than to make a patient worse.
In this phrase, harm is a noun. You are 'doing' the harm. However, harm can also be a verb on its own ('Don't harm the animals').
Frases relacionadas
do more harm than good
To have a net negative effect despite trying to help.
no harm done
A phrase used to say that a mistake caused no damage.
out of harm's way
In a safe place where no damage can happen.
mean no harm
To have good intentions even if the result was bad.
Comentários (0)
Faça Login para ComentarComece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente
Comece Grátis