The heart is more than just an organ. It’s a symbol of our emotions, intentions, and inner truth. When words fall short, idioms for heart offer vivid, poetic ways to speak from the soul. Whether you’re expressing love, sorrow, courage, or joy—these phrases let you say more with less.
Language gives us the tools to share what lives deep inside. And these idioms do just that. They help us connect with others through empathy, care, and genuine emotion.
This article offers 20 heart-related idioms, explained simply and warmly. Each idiom includes a clear meaning, a real-world example, and tips for using it naturally. You’ll also discover synonyms and alternative phrases, so you can speak from the heart—your way.
Let’s explore how we can put our whole heart into our words.
What is an Idiom for Heart?
An idiom involving the heart is:
“Follow your heart” – This means to do what you feel is right, even if it might not be the most logical or practical choice. It suggests letting your emotions guide you.
Here are a few more heart-related idioms:
- “Cross my heart (and hope to die)” – A way to make a sincere promise.
- “Have a change of heart” – To change your opinion or feelings about something.
- “From the bottom of my heart” – Said to express deep sincerity.
- “A heart of gold” – Describes someone who is very kind and generous.
- “Wear your heart on your sleeve” – To show your emotions openly.
List of Idioms for Heart
- Wear your heart on your sleeve
- Have a change of heart
- Cross my heart
- From the bottom of my heart
- Have a big heart
- Break someone’s heart
- Know something by heart
- Pour your heart out
- Follow your heart
- Young at heart
- Take something to heart
- Heart of gold
- Lose heart
- Set your heart on something
- Heart skips a beat
- With a heavy heart
- Change of heart
- Open-hearted
- Tug at your heartstrings
- Heart-to-heart
1. Wear your heart on your sleeve
This idiom is about being open with your feelings.
Definition: To wear your heart on your sleeve means to show your emotions openly and without hiding them.
In a sentence: “He always wears his heart on his sleeve and never hides how he feels.”
Example: If someone cries during a sad movie and talks openly about their emotions, they’re wearing their heart on their sleeve.
Explanation: This idiom encourages honesty with emotions. It reflects sincerity and vulnerability.
Other ways to say it:
- Be emotionally open
- Show your true feelings
- Not hide your emotions
- Be an open book
- Express emotions freely
2. Have a change of heart
This idiom talks about changing how you feel or what you believe.
Definition: To have a change of heart means to change your opinion or feelings about something.
In a sentence: “She had a change of heart and decided to forgive him.”
Example: You might want to cancel a trip but later decide to go—that’s a change of heart.
Explanation: This shows how emotions and thoughts can shift over time, often with deeper reflection.
Other ways to say it:
- Change your mind
- Feel differently
- Rethink something
- Shift your perspective
- Reconsider your decision
3. Cross my heart
This idiom is about making a sincere promise.
Definition: To say cross my heart is to swear that you’re telling the truth or making a promise you’ll keep.
In a sentence: “I’ll be there at 8—cross my heart.”
Example: Children often say this to prove they’re being honest.
Explanation: This phrase adds warmth and sincerity to a promise.
Other ways to say it:
- I swear
- I promise you
- You have my word
- Honest to goodness
- Truly
4. From the bottom of my heart
This idiom shows deep sincerity.
Definition: To say something from the bottom of your heart means to say it with full honesty and strong feeling.
In a sentence: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.”
Example: Using this when expressing gratitude or apology adds emotional weight.
Explanation: This idiom highlights genuine emotion and heartfelt truth.
Other ways to say it:
- Truly
- Sincerely
- With all my heart
- Deeply
- Genuinely
5. Have a big heart
This idiom is used to describe kind and generous people.
Definition: To have a big heart means to be caring, giving, and compassionate.
In a sentence: “She volunteers every weekend—she really has a big heart.”
Example: Someone who helps others even when they don’t have much is said to have a big heart.
Explanation: This phrase celebrates empathy and emotional generosity.
Other ways to say it:
- Be kind-hearted
- Be generous
- Have a warm soul
- Be selfless
- Be full of love
6. Break someone’s heart
This idiom shows deep emotional pain.
Definition: To break someone’s heart means to cause them great sadness, usually in love.
In a sentence: “He broke her heart when he left.”
Example: Ending a serious relationship often leads to heartbreak.
Explanation: This idiom highlights the emotional impact of loss or betrayal.
Other ways to say it:
- Cause sorrow
- Hurt deeply
- Shatter feelings
- Devastate emotionally
- Crush someone emotionally
7. Know something by heart
This idiom focuses on memory.
Definition: To know something by heart means to memorize it completely.
In a sentence: “She knows the poem by heart.”
Example: Singers often memorize lyrics—they know them by heart.
Explanation: It reflects familiarity and confidence through repetition.
Other ways to say it:
- Memorize
- Learn perfectly
- Have it down
- Know word for word
- Recall easily
8. Pour your heart out
This idiom involves sharing deep emotions.
Definition: To pour your heart out means to express your feelings fully and openly.
In a sentence: “He poured his heart out about the tough year he had.”
Example: Sharing personal struggles with a close friend is pouring your heart out.
Explanation: It shows trust, openness, and emotional connection.
Other ways to say it:
- Open up
- Be vulnerable
- Speak honestly
- Share feelings
- Express deeply
9. Follow your heart
This idiom encourages emotional decision-making.
Definition: To follow your heart means to act based on your true feelings or desires.
In a sentence: “She followed her heart and pursued art instead of law.”
Example: Choosing passion over practicality is an example of following your heart.
Explanation: This idiom supports authenticity and inner guidance.
Other ways to say it:
- Trust your instincts
- Do what feels right
- Listen to your inner voice
- Go with your gut
- Choose love
10. Young at heart
This idiom describes a youthful spirit.
Definition: Being young at heart means feeling or acting youthful, no matter your age.
In a sentence: “My grandma is 80 but still young at heart.”
Example: Someone who dances, laughs, and plays like a child is young at heart.
Explanation: This celebrates joy, playfulness, and spirit.
Other ways to say it:
- Playful
- Light-hearted
- Full of life
- Youthful soul
- Energetic
11. Take something to heart
This idiom describes feeling personally affected by what someone says or does.
Definition: To take something to heart means to be deeply influenced, often emotionally, by someone’s words or actions.
In a sentence: “She took the criticism to heart and started working harder.”
Example: If your friend says something that hurts your feelings and you dwell on it, you’re taking it to heart.
Explanation: This idiom shows sensitivity and emotional impact. It reflects when someone truly listens and reacts inwardly.
Other ways to say it:
- Be moved by
- Internalize
- Take personally
- Feel affected
- Let it sink in
12. Heart of gold
This idiom praises someone’s good and caring nature.
Definition: A heart of gold means a kind, generous, and loving character.
In a sentence: “Even though he’s quiet, he has a heart of gold.”
Example: Someone who helps others even when it’s not convenient has a heart of gold.
Explanation: It’s a high compliment that celebrates a pure and giving spirit.
Other ways to say it:
- Incredibly kind
- Generous soul
- Warm-hearted
- Gentle nature
- Loving and selfless
13. Lose heart
This idiom is about feeling discouraged.
Definition: To lose heart means to give up hope or confidence.
In a sentence: “Don’t lose heart—things will get better.”
Example: When someone faces rejection after trying many times, they may lose heart.
Explanation: This shows how challenges can drain motivation or belief.
Other ways to say it:
- Feel hopeless
- Give up
- Feel defeated
- Lose motivation
- Be disheartened
14. Set your heart on something
This idiom shows strong desire or longing.
Definition: To set your heart on something means to want something deeply or have a firm goal.
In a sentence: “She set her heart on becoming a doctor.”
Example: If someone works tirelessly toward a dream, they’ve set their heart on it.
Explanation: It expresses emotional commitment and drive.
Other ways to say it:
- Be determined
- Long for
- Have a dream
- Be passionate about
- Focus on a goal
15. Heart skips a beat
This idiom often describes surprise or romantic excitement.
Definition: When your heart skips a beat, it means you feel sudden emotion—joy, fear, or love.
In a sentence: “My heart skipped a beat when he walked in.”
Example: Seeing someone you love unexpectedly might make your heart skip a beat.
Explanation: It captures intense emotional reactions, usually in a brief moment.
Other ways to say it:
- Feel stunned
- Be overwhelmed
- Freeze for a moment
- Feel a jolt
- Be swept away
16. With a heavy heart
This idiom is used to describe sadness or regret.
Definition: To do something with a heavy heart means to do it while feeling sorrow or pain.
In a sentence: “With a heavy heart, we said goodbye.”
Example: Leaving someone or something important brings a heavy heart.
Explanation: It expresses emotional weight and grief.
Other ways to say it:
- Full of sorrow
- Sadly
- Regretfully
- Grieving
- In mourning
17. Change of heart
This idiom describes a shift in feelings or opinion.
Definition: A change of heart means someone has reconsidered and now feels differently.
In a sentence: “He had a change of heart and canceled the trip.”
Example: Choosing not to quit your job after almost doing it shows a change of heart.
Explanation: It reflects personal growth or emotional realization.
Other ways to say it:
- Reconsider
- Think differently
- Shift your view
- Rethink plans
- Have second thoughts
18. Open-hearted
This idiom highlights emotional openness and honesty.
Definition: Being open-hearted means being sincere, loving, and welcoming in emotion.
In a sentence: “She was open-hearted and shared everything without fear.”
Example: Someone who shares their story without holding back is open-hearted.
Explanation: It reflects trust, honesty, and emotional courage.
Other ways to say it:
- Honest
- Sincere
- Emotionally available
- Genuine
- Caring
19. Tug at your heartstrings
This idiom shows emotional influence, especially sympathy or sadness.
Definition: To tug at your heartstrings means to make you feel strong emotion, often sadness or love.
In a sentence: “The story of the lost puppy tugged at my heartstrings.”
Example: Charity ads often use sad stories to tug at your heartstrings.
Explanation: It’s about creating emotional connection or impact.
Other ways to say it:
- Touch deeply
- Stir emotion
- Pull on feelings
- Move emotionally
- Strike a chord
20. Heart-to-heart
This idiom speaks to honest, deep conversations.
Definition: A heart-to-heart is a sincere, personal conversation between people.
In a sentence: “They had a heart-to-heart about their relationship.”
Example: Talking to your friend about how you really feel is a heart-to-heart.
Explanation: It shows trust and emotional closeness.
Other ways to say it:
- Honest talk
- Real conversation
- Deep discussion
- Open chat
- One-on-one
Final Thoughts
Heart idioms are more than expressions. They’re emotional tools that help you show kindness, vulnerability, and honesty. They’re warm, thoughtful, and human—just like real conversation should be.
By using these phrases, you don’t just speak—you connect. Whether you’re comforting a friend or expressing love, these idioms help you speak from the soul.
Let your words always come from a place of heart.
FAQs
1. What is a good idiom to show love or kindness?
“Heart of gold” is a beautiful idiom that shows someone is kind and generous.
2. Can I use heart idioms in everyday conversations?
Yes! They make your words feel more personal and meaningful.
3. Is “follow your heart” literal?
No, it means trusting your feelings and doing what you truly desire.
4. What idiom shows someone is very emotional?
“Wear your heart on your sleeve” expresses that perfectly.
5. How can I express deep sadness using an idiom?
Try saying “with a heavy heart” to show genuine sorrow.
Emma Brooke is the writer and founder of Grammer Guru, a platform designed to help individuals refine their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a deep love for language and a talent for simplifying complex grammar rules, Emma provides insightful tips and practical guidance for writers, students, and professionals
