sorry to hear that

(I'm) sorry to hear that

1. I extend my condolences (upon hearing your unfortunate news). I was so sorry to hear that your mother passed away, Jan. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you. A: "I actually lost my job last week." B: "Oh my gosh. I'm sorry to hear that!"
2. What you just told me is regrettable or unfortunate. A: "I simply cannot continue to work in this environment any longer." B: "I'm sorry to hear that, Tom. I wish you would have brought your concerns to me before making your decision." We're sorry to hear that you are withdrawing from the master's program. Would you care to let us know why?
See also: hear, sorry, that
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(I'm) sorry to hear that,

an expression of consolation or regret. John: My cat died last week. Jane: I am sorry to hear that. Bill: I'm afraid I won't be able to continue here as head teller. Bank manager: Sorry to hear that.
See also: hear, sorry, that
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (I'm) sorry to hear that
  • extend (one's) sympathy to (someone)
  • extend sympathy
  • extended
  • extend (one's) sympathy
  • it's too late for sorry
  • in a sorry state
  • (one) could go (on) all day (about something)
  • state
  • a hungry belly has no ears
References in periodicals archive
I REALLY am so sorry to hear that Neville and Doreen Lawrence are unhappy about the decision to screen Martin Bashir's interviews with the five thugs who killed their son Stephen.
Carol Sarler's column: ORDINARY REASON TO BE CONCERNED
READING Jade Wright's column (ECHO, Jan 16), I was really sorry to hear that young Liverpool band, The Great North Western Hobos, were about to split up.
Letter: Good luck to Hobos
I WAS sorry to hear that Fiona Phillips has decided to leave GMTV.
Letter: Your view - Ulrika's a turn off
OAPs Joyce, 69, and 74-year-old Bob broke down in tears when they read the note from the Department of Work and Pensions which started: "I am sorry to hear that the person you were claiming carer's allowance for has died."
Government sent 3 letters to tell me my husband was DEAD.. but he was sat on sofa
I am very sorry to hear that people have been complaining about Cardiff's Whitchurch skate park.
ViewpointsA fun place for the area's young
I AM sorry to hear that pet shop worker and reptile fan Lee Thompson has faced an agonising four-day fight for life after being bitten by one of the world's deadliest snakes - not in the Australian desert, where it belongs, but in his English pet shop.
Pets can be killers
I AM very sorry to hear that Trisha Goddard is fighting breast cancer and I'd like to wish her well.
Letter: Your view - Screen shame
She said: 'She's a really big idol of mine so I would be really sorry to hear that.
Katherine's tribute to 'my idol Dame Shirley'
I AM sorry to hear that Mr Jonathan Adair has lost his job with the UDA.
Kevan Furbank column: Poor Johnny the jobseeker
John Watson, the director of Amnesty International in Scotland, said: "I am sorry to hear that Cardinal O'Brien has decided to resign his Amnesty membership, as there are many more issues we agree on."
Amnesty ditched by O'Brien
I WAS really sorry to hear that Momo Sissoko's eye injury is a severe one.
Letter: Your Shout - Sissoko injury is the only concern; Football takes a back seat
I was sorry to hear that HV Edmunds, of Grangetown, had his hospital appointment put back until June but I think he was very lucky to be given an appointment at all.
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
I WAS sorry to hear that Pride Of Britain winner Michelle Lewis had her dog stolen.
Mirror M@ilbox: Doggone criminals
I WAS sorry to hear that Ian and Jeanette Tough won't be doing panto this year.
Your view: No panto for the Krankies
I WAS sorry to hear that Gary McAllister has had to bow out of football due to his wife's illness.
Tommy Smith column: Gary McAllister