lose heart

Are you using the idiom lose heart but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the lose heart idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "lose heart"

Meaning

The idiom ‘lose heart’ has two definitions. It can be used to describe a state of discouragement or despondency, in which an individual has become disheartened or has lost all hope in a particular situation. The second definition is that it can refer to someone giving up on a goal or objective, based on the feeling of being overwhelmed or dispirited. In both cases, the phrase ‘lose heart’ generally suggests a moment of emotional defeat or relinquishing of a plan or ambition.

Etymology

The phrase ‘lose heart’ has its roots in Old English and is a translation from the Latin ‘cor’, which means ‘heart’. It was first used in reference to a lack of courage or spirit, and is described as ‘to abate in vigor, enthusiasm, or resolution’, which was recorded in the late 17th century.

Usage

The phrase ‘lose heart’ is commonly used in everyday language and is applicable to a variety of situations. It is often used to refer to a lack of motivation and determination, in both personal and professional contexts. It can also refer to a situation in which an individual has given up on a task they have been working on in the face of difficulty or opposition.

Example Sentences

• He was determined to pass his exams, but after too many failed attempts, he started to lose heart.
• I was trying to save up for a new car, but I eventually lost heart after months without making any progress.
• The team was doing so well in the competition, but after their last loss, they started to lose heart.
• She started the project with so much enthusiasm and dedication, but eventually lost heart and gave up.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.