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Not hurt a flea Meaning in English

expression

ˈnɑt/ /ˈhɝt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfɫi
NAHT HURT uh FLEE
nˈɒt/ /hˈɜːt/ /æɪ/ /flˈiː
NOT HURT uh FLEE

Definition

Describes someone who is very gentle and would never harm anyone or anything, not even something as small as a flea.

Usage & Nuances

This expression is informal and often used to emphasize someone's extreme kindness or gentleness. It is usually about people who are seen as harmless or incapable of aggression. The animal mentioned can vary ('hurt a fly' is also common).

Example Sentences

My little brother would not hurt a flea.

basic

She is so kind, she would not hurt a flea.

basic

Tom would not hurt a flea, even if he was angry.

basic

Don’t worry about your cat; he would not hurt a flea.

natural

Everyone says Sarah would not hurt a flea—she even sets spiders free instead of killing them.

natural

Honestly, Mark would not hurt a flea. He just wants everyone to get along.

natural