no harm, no foul

Etymology
From informal instances of sports, in which a foul is a formal violation of the rules.

Phrase

 * 1) Although technically a breach of some code or law may have occurred, there was no actual damage meriting punishment, apology or retribution.
 * He parked in my space, but I was away at the time: no harm, no foul.

Usage notes
Phrases with the same construction (i.e. no x, no y) are common and productive. See the related terms below. Compare the expression,.

Synonyms

 * NHNF