take sth to heart

The phrase take sth to heart is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of take sth to heart.

Meaning of "take sth to heart"

Meaning

The phrase “to take something to heart” is a popular idiom in English used to describe someone who takes a comment or event deeply to heart, usually in a negative way. It means to be greatly affected by a certain thing, usually a statement or event, in such a way that it shapes one’s own thoughts and emotions. This idiom can be used in a variety of situations and is often used today to describe a person’s response to criticism or stress.

Etymology

The origin of the phrase “to take something to heart” dates back to the 12th century. It originated from the Latin phrase “cogita ad cor”, which translates to “think in the heart”. In other words, it was used to indicate that a person should think deeply about an issue or situation as if it were from their own heart. Throughout time, this phrase has evolved and adapted to fit the modern vernacular and is still used in today’s English.

Usage

This idiom is used to describe someone who is greatly affected by a situation or statement, usually in a negative way. It can be used to describe a person’s reaction to a criticism or to describe a person’s deep emotional response to a certain event. It is most often used as a warning to someone to not take a certain statement or event too seriously.

Example Sentences

• I know you’re taking her words to heart, but don’t let it get you down.
• He had the tendency to take everything to heart and let people’s words affect him deeply.
• You must not take it to heart – it was only a joke!

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.