THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Zero tolerance
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
No acceptance of certain actions or behavior.
Usage note: keep in mind
Zero tolerance describes a policy of not accepting a specified behaviour and responding to each occurrence. Use zero tolerance for a behaviour, or a zero-tolerance policy with a hyphen before policy. It does not tell you what the response will be; the policy must explain that.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The school has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
No acceptance of certain actions or behavior.
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Zero tolerance — No acceptance of certain actions or behavior.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Zero tolerance” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
No acceptance of certain actions or behavior.
Compare: The school has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The club announced zero tolerance for harassment at its events.
- Our zero-tolerance policy on cheating explains how reported incidents are reviewed.
Check your understanding
Which form fits before policy: zero tolerance or zero-tolerance? Does the phrase alone specify a punishment?
Check your answer
Zero-tolerance is the usual hyphenated adjective before policy. The phrase alone does not explain the policy's procedures or consequences.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where zero tolerance fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.