More Than Romance: 14 English Idioms Related to the Heart
Our hearts are responsible for pumping blood through our bodies. And as a symbol, they represent feelings of love and romance, especially around Valentine's Day.
But is that it?
Not at all! In English, the heart is also a representation of our deepest feelings and beliefs. As a result, there are quite a few heart-based idioms that appear in daily conversations.
This time, let's look at 14 heart idioms you can use on Valentine's Day — or on any other day of the year.
Heart-to-heart
A "heart-to-heart talk" is an honest discussion with someone about a serious topic. However, people often shorten it to just "heart-to-heart."
- When Hannah gets home, we need to have a heart-to-heart about her behavior at school.
Cross my heart
The full idiom is "Cross my heart and hope to die." It may sound shocking, but this idiom is actually often used by children!
It is said when someone makes a promise, and it implies that they will die if they break it.
Like "heart-to-heart," people will understand even if you only say the first part.
Dad
I'll be back in time for your birthday party.
Son
Promise?
Dad
Cross my heart.
From the bottom of one’s heart
When someone does or says something "from the bottom of their heart," it means they are doing it very sincerely and honestly.
- Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart.
Change of heart
We use this idiom when someone's feelings or opinions about something have changed. In other words, it's similar to "change one's mind."
- Joe used to be against the idea, but I think he's had a change of heart.
Pour one’s heart into
This refers to doing something with intensity and passion.
- It was clear that the dancers were pouring their hearts into the performance.
Wear one’s heart on their sleeve
If someone's heart was actually on their sleeve, you would not need to look hard to see it.
Similarly, this idiom refers to feelings and emotions that are clear and easy to recognize; instead of protecting their heart, someone is exposing it.
- Sue doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve. I'm never quite sure how she feels.
Have one’s heart in the right place
Just because someone does a nice thing doesn't mean it will have the positive effect they hoped for.
But even if the action isn't successful, we can appreciate that's person's intentions, or goals. In these situations, we say that their heart was "in the right place."
- Their gift doesn't really match our tastes, but their hearts were in the right place.
- Sarah's comments were quite harsh, but her heart was in the right place.
Have heart
Basically, something that "has heart" feels genuine or honest. We don't use it to refer to people; instead, it's for things like performances, books, films and other creative works.
- The movie's visual effects weren't great, but the story had a lot of heart. I really enjoyed it.
Related article: How to Talk About Movies in English
(Knowing) by heart
If you know or learn something "by heart," it means you have memorized it.
- I know every line of dialogue from my favorite movie by heart.
- I have to learn all of these songs by heart before the performance next month.
Take something to heart
"Taking something to heart" means thinking about it deeply and personally.
This idiom is often used when referring to things like negative comments and criticism. In this case, it's used in the negative sense — in other words, telling someone not to think too much about harmful words.
- After years in the entertainment industry, the actor learned not to take criticism on social media to heart.
Have one’s heart set on something
This idiom expresses a deep desire to do or get something. Note that we don't use it to refer to people.
- My wife and I have our hearts set on a house our real estate agent showed us last week.
- Julie has her heart set on visiting Europe this summer.
Tug at one’s heartstrings
Anything that "tugs," or pulls, on someone's heartstrings is making that person very emotional. Usually, these emotions are feelings like love and sympathy.
- That movie really tugged at my heartstrings. I'm glad I had tissues to dry my eyes!
With all one’s heart
This dramatic expression means "absolutely" or "completely."
- I love this old house with all of my heart, but I think it's the right time to sell it.
- I wish for your success with all of my heart.
In one’s heart of hearts
This refers to someone's deepest, truest feelings.
- I love being a doctor, but in my heart of hearts, I want to act in movies.
Wrap-Up
Have you noticed how these idioms are almost all related to deep, honest feelings?
Both literally and figuratively, the heart is the most important part of who we are as people. So if you thought hearts were only about romance, think again!
Learn all of these idioms by heart and try them out in your next English conversation!
