“Change of Heart” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 7, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Change of heart is an English idiom which can be heard often during the conversation, but what does this idiom mean? We are going to answer this question as well as look at where the phrase first came from. We are also going to take a look at some examples of how the phrase works within both a conversation and an independent sentence.

“Change of Heart” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “change of heart” means that someone has experienced a shift in their feelings, opinions, or attitude toward something. It usually refers to a decision or belief that has been reconsidered, often moving from a negative or indifferent position to a more positive or sympathetic one.
Change of Heart
Change of Heart – Created by 7ESL

“Change of Heart” Meaning

The phrase “change of heart” refers to a situation in which someone alters their feelings, opinions, or decisions about something, often after some reflection or reconsideration. It implies a shift in emotional attitude, leading a person to feel differently than they previously did.

Examples:

  • “After thinking it over, she had a change of heart and decided to accept the job offer.”
  • “He had a change of heart about moving to another city after talking to his family.”

Origin of This Idiom

The idiom “change of heart” originates from the metaphorical use of “heart” to represent emotions and feelings. The phrase suggests a shift in one’s feelings or attitudes. It began appearing in English around the early 19th century, with the first recorded use around 1830. The expression reflects the idea that emotions can significantly influence decisions and has remained common in modern language to describe moments of reconsideration or newfound understanding.

Usage of “Change of Heart”

  • Describing a decision:

“At first, he didn’t want to go on the trip, but he had a change of heart and decided to join us.”

  • Talking about forgiveness:

“She was upset at first, but after thinking it over, she had a change of heart and apologized.”

  • In a work setting:

“The manager initially rejected the proposal, but after reviewing it again, she had a change of heart.”

  • In a relationship context:

“After talking with his family, he had a change of heart and decided to propose to her.”

Related Terms to “Change of Heart”

  • Change of mind – a shift in one’s opinion or decision.
  • Reconsideration – the act of thinking about something again, often leading to a different conclusion.
  • Shift in perspective – a change in the way one views a situation or issue.
  • U-turn – a complete reversal of one’s opinion or decision.
  • About-face – a reversal of direction or opinion.
  • Reversal – a change to an opposite position or direction.
  • Newfound perspective – a fresh understanding or view that alters previous beliefs.
  • Emotional turnaround – a significant change in emotional response or attitude.
  • Regret – a feeling of sadness or disappointment about a previous decision, often leading to a change.
  • Epiphany – a moment of sudden revelation or insight that can lead to a change of heart.

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

There are other ways in which you might say the term change of heart.

Let’s take a look at some examples of this.

  • Change your mind
  • Rethink a situation
  • Change of opinion
  • Change of attitude

“Change of Heart” Examples

Example Sentences

We are now going to take a look at some examples of how the term change of heart can be used in a sentence.

The first example is from a news report.

  • It would appear that the police have had a change of heart towards the elderly lady they arrested, they are releasing her from custody.

The next statement is one being made by a boss in the workplace.

  • I have had a change of heart, you can take the day off because you are upset about your dog’s death.

Conversation Examples

There might be many times in which you hear the term change of heart being used in a conversation and you will be better equipped to understand it by looking at the following examples.

The first conversation is taking place between two friends.

  • Person 1: “I asked my dad if I could borrow his car in order to go and see my sick grandma.”
  • Person 2: “He said no?”
  • Person 1: “At first but then he had a change of heart and allowed me to use it.”

The next conversation is happening between two ex-partners.

  • Person 1: “I really wanted to make this relationship work.”
  • Person 2: “So did I but I’m not sure anymore.”
  • Person 1: “I wish you would have a change of heart and give me one more chance.”

Other examples:

  • Several brokers have had a change of heart about prospects for the company.
  • He could have a change of heart and settle down to family life.
  • You could have a change of heart if an old flame waltzes back into your life.
  • The old woman had a change of heart before she died and forgave her son.
  • The choice of land disposal marks a change of heart for Strathclyde’s sewerage director, Prof Tom Anderson.
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