20 Idioms related to human heart

Posted by Olympiad Tester on Jan 01, 2024

1. A change of heart

Meaning: A reversal of one's feelings or intentions, usually towards a more positive or negative stance.
Sentence Usage 1: After hearing her story, he had a change of heart and decided to help.
Sentence Usage 2: The apology led to a change of heart, and they reconciled.

2. (To your) heart's content

Meaning: To one's full satisfaction or desire; as much as one wants.
Sentence Usage 1: You can explore the museum to your heart's content; there's no rush.
Sentence Usage 2: The buffet allowed guests to eat to their heart's content.

3. (Have your) heart in your mouth

Meaning: Feeling extremely anxious or nervous, especially in anticipation of something.
Sentence Usage 1: As the final exam approached, she had her heart in her mouth.
Sentence Usage 2: His heart was in his mouth as he waited for the interview results.

4. (Have your) heart in the right place

Meaning: To be well-intentioned and compassionate, even if actions or decisions may not always be perfect.
Sentence Usage 1: Despite the mistakes, her heart was in the right place, and she genuinely cared for others.
Sentence Usage 2: He may be clumsy, but his heart is in the right place, and he means well.

5. (Have your) heart set on something

Meaning: To be determined to achieve or obtain a specific goal or desire.
Sentence Usage 1: From a young age, she had her heart set on becoming a professional dancer.
Sentence Usage 2: He had his heart set on getting that promotion and worked tirelessly for it.

6. (Have a) heart of stone

Meaning: To lack compassion or empathy; to be emotionally cold and unfeeling.
Sentence Usage 1: Even in the face of tragedy, he maintained a heart of stone.
Sentence Usage 2: She seemed to have a heart of stone, unmoved by the pleas for mercy.

7. (The) heart of the matter

Meaning: The most important or essential part of an issue or situation.
Sentence Usage 1: Let's focus on the heart of the matter and address the core issues.
Sentence Usage 2: Getting to the heart of the matter requires careful analysis and understanding.

8. (Wear your) heart on sleeve

Meaning: To openly and visibly display one's emotions, especially love or affection.
Sentence Usage 1: She wears her heart on her sleeve and is not afraid to express her feelings.
Sentence Usage 2: Unlike him, who is reserved, she wears her heart on her sleeve.

9. (Someone's) heart misses a beat

Meaning: A moment of sudden excitement, surprise, or fear that causes a brief pause in the heartbeat.
Sentence Usage 1: When he saw her unexpectedly, his heart missed a beat in astonishment.
Sentence Usage 2: The unexpected announcement made her heart miss a beat with joy.

10. (Someone's) heart sinks

Meaning: To experience a sudden feeling of disappointment, sadness, or despair.
Sentence Usage 1: Her heart sank when she realized she had missed the last train.
Sentence Usage 2: The news of the project cancellation made their hearts sink with frustration.

11. Put your heart into something

Meaning: To invest sincere effort, enthusiasm, and passion into an activity or endeavor.
Sentence Usage 1: If you put your heart into the project, the results will be remarkable.
Sentence Usage 2: She always puts her heart into her artwork, creating pieces full of emotion.

12. Tug at the heartstrings

Meaning: To evoke strong emotions, especially sympathy or sentimentality.
Sentence Usage 1: The touching story of resilience and survival tugged at the audience's heartstrings.
Sentence Usage 2: The charity's campaign video was designed to tug at the heartstrings of potential donors.

13. Affairs of the heart

Meaning: Romantic or emotional relationships and concerns.
Sentence Usage 1: She dedicated herself to matters of the heart and wrote love poems.
Sentence Usage 2: Affairs of the heart can be complex and unpredictable.

14. Take to heart

Meaning: To be deeply affected or influenced by something emotionally.
Sentence Usage 1: She took the criticism to heart and worked on improving her performance.
Sentence Usage 2: Constructive feedback is valuable when taken to heart for personal growth.

15. Close to one's heart

Meaning: Something that is emotionally significant, cherished, or deeply valued.
Sentence Usage 1: The project was close to her heart as it aimed to support a cause she cared about.
Sentence Usage 2: The tradition of family gatherings is close to his heart.

16. Light-hearted

Meaning: Cheerful, carefree, and not serious in demeanor or attitude.
Sentence Usage 1: They engaged in light-hearted banter to lighten the mood.
Sentence Usage 2: A light-hearted approach can make challenging situations more manageable.

17. Heavy-hearted

18. Heart skips a beat

Meaning: A sudden and intense feeling of excitement, surprise, or nervousness.
Sentence Usage 1: When he saw her enter the room, his heart skipped a beat.
Sentence Usage 2: The unexpected proposal made her heart skip a beat.

19. Heart-to-heart

Meaning: A sincere and candid conversation between two people, often addressing deep emotions or concerns.
Sentence Usage 1: They had a heart-to-heart discussion about their future plans.
Sentence Usage 2: A heart-to-heart talk can strengthen relationships and foster understanding.

20. Follow your heart

Meaning: To pursue one's true desires, instincts, or passions.
Sentence Usage 1: She decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in art.
Sentence Usage 2: Following your heart often leads to a more fulfilling life.