Would it hurt to (do something)?
Would it hurt to (do something)?
1. Used to express annoyance or exasperation that someone is not doing something that one thinks should be easy and inconsequential. Look, I know you wanted to spend spring break with your friends instead of being here with your family, but would it hurt to at least try having fun? Your cousin is coming to stay with us for a couple of days. He's had a rough time lately, so would it hurt to be nice to him for a change while he's here?
2. There is no negative consequence for doing something, so there is no reason not to do it. I didn't really believe in good luck charms, but my whole academic career rests on passing this test, so I thought to myself, "Would it really hurt to tuck a lucky rabbit's foot in my bag?" A: "I think we're a little lost. I wonder if the people in that gas station can help us." B: "They might. Would it hurt to ask?"
See also: hurt
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- Would it kill (someone) to (do something)?
- OMG
- nothing to sneeze at
- nothing to sniff at
- nothing to be sneezed at
- nothing to be sniffed at
- little old
- little-old
- cross paths
- not to be sniffed at