# hard pass

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hard-pass
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An unequivocal rejection with no possibility of a later change of mind.

## Examples

- They invited me to the party, but it is a hard pass.
- When my friend suggested we go skydiving this weekend, I gave him a hard pass.
- Despite the recruiter's persistent efforts to schedule an interview, she issued a hard pass, having already accepted a position at a competing firm.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.