“Home Is Where the Heart Is” Meaning, Origin and Examples

The idiomatic phrase “home is where the heart is” is widely used in conversation and writing to convey home is a feeling and not wood and bricks. If you have encountered this phrase and were thinking it meant literally leaving your heart somewhere, then you would be mistaken. To find out the true meaning of this phrase, along with its origin, continue reading on. You will also find here some example sentences and conversations to help you better understand the phrase. Finally, you will see some other phrases that you can use in place of this interesting idiom that will convey the same meaning.

“Home Is Where the Heart Is” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “home is where the heart is” means that a person’s true home is not just a physical place, but rather wherever they feel a sense of belonging, love, or emotional connection. It emphasizes that the feelings of comfort and love associated with “home” can be found in relationships, memories, or experiences rather than in a specific location.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Home Is Where the Heart Is – Created by 7ESL

“Home Is Where The Heart Is” Meaning

This idiomatic phrase is a way of saying that home is not necessarily where you have a roof over your head and all the comforts of life, it is where you feel the most affection from and for the people around you. In simplest terms, your home is not a possession, it is who the loved ones you are fortunate to have around you and where your affection lies.

Examples:

  • “Even though I travel a lot for work, I always feel that home is where the heart is, especially when I’m with my family.”
  • “She moved away for college but often says, ‘Home is where the heart is,’ because her family is what truly matters to her.”

Origin of This Idiom

The origin of this idiomatic phrase dates back to it first being used by Pliny the Elder sometime circa A.D. 23-9. However, its first use in the United States was not recorded until 1870 when it appeared in the written works of J.J. McCloskey titled Davey Crockett and Other Plays.

Usage of “Home Is Where The Heart Is”

  • In a conversation about family:

“Even though I live in a different city now, I always feel at home when I’m with my family. Home is where the heart is.”

  • Talking about emotional connections:

“After moving around so much, I’ve learned that home is where the heart is, and it’s really about the people you surround yourself with.”

  • During a discussion about relocating:

“She decided to move back to her hometown because, for her, home is where the heart is, and she missed her childhood friends.”

  • In a reflective statement:

“I used to think of home as just a place, but now I understand that home is where the heart is, filled with love and memories.”

Related Terms to “Home Is Where The Heart Is”

  • Home sweet home – an expression that emphasizes the comfort and affection one feels towards their home.
  • Family first – a phrase highlighting the importance of family and loved ones as a priority.
  • Place of belonging – a location or situation where one feels accepted and valued.
  • Heartfelt connection – a deep emotional bond with people that enhances the feeling of home.
  • Wherever you hang your hat – a saying implying that home is wherever you choose to settle or feel comfortable.
  • Safe haven – a place of refuge or safety that provides comfort and security.
  • Roots – a term referring to a person’s origins, connections, or deep-seated ties to a place or community.
  • Emotional sanctuary – a space or environment that provides comfort and peace, often related to home.
  • Love nest – a cozy and affectionate term for a home, especially one shared with a partner.
  • Homecoming – the act of returning to a place where one feels a sense of belonging or emotional connection.

“Home Is Where The Heart” Synonyms

There are some synonymous phrases that you could use to represent this idiom without changing its meaning. Some of the other phrases that you could use to express the same sentiment include:

  • Home is where the heart lies
  • Home will always be where I feel the most loved and give the most love in return
  • Home is not a structure or belongings, it is a feeling

“Home Is Where The Heart” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • Some people believe that home is where you choose to live, but I believe that home is where the heart is.
  • If home is where the heart is, then my home will always be in the state where I grew up.

Conversation Examples

A conversation between father and son.

  • Father: How is it being away at college? Is it starting to feel like home?
  • Son: Dad, home is where the heart is so this will never feel like home. My home will always be with you and mom.

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: I know you are feeling a little homesick, but it will get better when this starts to feel like home.
  • Friend 2: While I love all the friends I have made here, this will never be home. Home is where the heart is and my heart will forever belong to Connecticut because that’s where my entire family is.
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)