Heart idioms are expressions that use the word “heart” to convey a range of emotions, from love and affection to sadness and disappointment. In this reference, you will explore some of the most common heart idioms in the English language.
You will examine their meanings and usage, and see examples to help you understand how to use them in your writing and conversation. By getting familiar with these idioms, you can add richness and depth to your communication.
List of Phrases and Idioms with Heart
- After One’s Own Heart
- Bare One’s Heart (Soul)
- Change of Heart
- Eat Your Heart Out! (excl.)
- Follow Your Heart
- From the Bottom of One’s Heart
- In a Heart beat
- Touch One’s Heart
Understanding Heart Idioms
Origin and History
The use of heart idioms can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who believed that the heart was the center of human emotions and the source of courage, love, and passion. The first recorded use of the phrase “heart of gold” dates back to the 14th century, and it was used to describe a person who was kind and generous.
In the 16th century, the phrase “heart and soul” was used to describe a person’s complete devotion to a cause or task. Over time, more heart idioms were added to the English language, and they continue to be used today.
Usage in Everyday Conversation
Heart idioms are used in everyday conversation to express a wide range of emotions and feelings. These idioms can be used to describe a person’s character, emotions, and actions. For example, the phrase “have a heart” is used to ask someone to be compassionate or understanding.
Another commonly used heart idiom is “heartbroken,” which is used to describe a person who is deeply saddened or devastated. The phrase “heart of stone” is used to describe a person who is cold and unfeeling.
Here are some more heart idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversation:
- “Wear your heart on your sleeve”: to openly display one’s emotions
- “Cross my heart”: to promise or swear something is true
- “Heart-to-heart”: a sincere and honest conversation
- “Follow your heart”: to act on one’s feelings or desires
In conclusion, heart idioms are an important part of the English language and are used to express a wide range of emotions and feelings. Understanding the origin and history of these idioms can help us appreciate their significance and usage in everyday conversation.
Heart Idioms with Meaning and Examples
After One’s Own Heart
- Meaning: to describe someone who has the same opinions, interests, or attitudes as you.
- Example: “My best friend is a vegetarian, just like me. She is really after my own heart.”
Bare One’s Heart (Soul)
- Meaning: to reveal your deepest thoughts and feelings to someone.
- Example: “I finally bared my heart to my therapist. It was a huge relief.”
Change of Heart
- Meaning: to change your mind or opinion about something.
- Example: “At first, I didn’t like the idea of moving to a new city, but I had a change of heart after visiting it.”
Eat Your Heart Out! (excl.)
- Meaning: to express satisfaction or triumph over someone else.
- Example: “I just got a promotion at work. Eat your heart out, John!”
Follow Your Heart
- Meaning: to do what you feel is right or what you really want to do.
- Example: “I decided to follow my heart and pursue my dream of becoming a painter.”
From the Bottom of One’s Heart
- Meaning: to express something sincerely and deeply.
- Example: “I thanked my parents from the bottom of my heart for all their support.”
In a Heartbeat
- Meaning: to do something very quickly or without hesitation.
- Example: “I would go back to Paris in a heartbeat. It’s such a beautiful city.”
Touch One’s Heart
- Meaning: to make someone feel emotional or sympathetic.
- Example: “The story of the homeless man touched my heart. I decided to donate some money to the shelter.