Hard cheese

usgb
noun

An expression used to show no sympathy for someone's misfortune.

Your bike got stolen? Hard cheese but it's not my fault.
Visual representation of "hard cheese" - An expression used to show no sympathy for someone's misfortune.

Often appears as...

  • hard cheese on you
  • it's hard cheese

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "hard cheese"
LampPro Tip 1/3

No Sympathy

Use it to show you have no pity for someone else's bad situation.

Illustration for No Sympathy
Missed your train? Hard cheese, should have left earlier.
LampPro Tip 2/3

British Slang

Commonly used in the UK, so remember it might not be understood elsewhere.

Illustration for British Slang
So you lost a tenner? Hard cheese, mate!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Tone

It's very informal and might seem insensitive if used in serious situations.

Illustration for Casual Tone
Couldn't get concert tickets? Hard cheese, but life goes on.
Visual representation of the word "Hard cheese"

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