English

Noun

no harm, no foul

1. Encapsulation of the idea that although technically a breach of some code or law may have occurred there is no need for punishment, apology or retribution if no actual damage occurred.

   He parked in my space but I was away at the time: no harm, no foul.

Usage notes

Phrases with the same construction (i.e. no x, no y) are common and productive. See the related terms below. Compare the expression de minimis non curat lex ‎(“the law will not cure (or concern itself with) trifles”), de minimis.^[1]

Related terms

• no cross, no crown
• nothing ventured, nothing gained
• no effort, no result
• no pain, no gain

See also

• the ends justify the means

References

• Chick Hearn#Chickisms on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

1. ↑ Bryan A. Garner (editor-in-chief), Black's Law Dictionary, Seventh Edition, West (publisher, 1999), page 443.