give a damn

present singular third person gives a damn · participle present giving a damn · past gave a damn · participle past given a damn · alternative give a darn · alternative care a damn

1. idiomaticinformalsometimesvulgarTo be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).

   He doesn't give a damn about your child's painting, he's just interested in the gold frame.

   5 more examples

   If she actually gave a damn what the law said, she wouldn't have stolen the car in the first place, now would she?

   Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.

   1939 December 15, Sidney Howard, Gone with the Wind, spoken by Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), Selznick International Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   Long as I have my clams I don't give a damn about revolution

   1970, “Cherrystones”, in Outlaw, performed by Eugene McDaniels

   My stepfather loved me as much as he loved his own three sons. I knew how much he wanted to help me and how lacking in financial resources he was. Nothing could erase the image I gained of my real father that day: a carefree, well-to-do man who didn't really give a damn about the hopes and dreams of his firstborn son.

   1980, Gerald Ford, “Boyhood—and Beyond”, in A Time to Heal, New York: Berkley Books, →ISBN, page 47

   Call someone who'll listen and might give a damn Maybe one of your sordid affairs But don't you come 'round here handin' me none of your lies Here's a quarter, call someone who cares

   1991 May 7, Travis Tritt, “Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)”, in It's All About to Change, performed by Travis Tritt

   Synonyms: becare, bother, care, concern oneself, heed, mind, reck, trouble oneself