hurt a fly

Definitions

To hurt or damage something even a little.

idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“Talking of being eaten by dogs, there's a dachshund at Brinkley who when you first meet⟳ him will give⟳ you the impression that he plans to convert you into a light⟳ snack between his regular meals. Pay⟳ no attention. It's all eyewash. […] He wouldn't hurt⟳ a fly⟳, but he has to put⟳ up a front because his name's Poppet. One can readily appreciate that when a dog hears himself addressed day in and day out as Poppet, he feels he must throw⟳ his weight about. His self-respect demands it.”

CEFR level