take something to heart idiom Meaning

Idiom: Take something to heart

Definition: To take something to heart means to be deeply affected by what someone has said or done, especially in a way that causes emotional distress or concern. It implies a personal and often serious consideration of another’s criticism, advice, or concern.

Usage: The idiom is often used to encourage someone to not feel overly troubled by criticism or to suggest that they reflect seriously on advice given. For example, “You shouldn’t take his comments to heart; he tends to be overly critical.”

Etymology: The phrase draws on the symbolic use of “heart” as a center of emotion and empathy in many cultures and languages. The metaphor suggests that the matter is being processed emotionally, as if the feelings are being absorbed into one’s core being.

Pronunciation: /teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ tə hɑrt/

Synonyms:

• Be affected by
• Internalize
• Take to mind
• Consider seriously

Antonyms:

• Dismiss
• Ignore
• Take lightly
• Brush off

Overall, “to take something to heart” emphasizes the emotional engagement of the recipient with the information or criticism, indicating that it has significant personal weight or importance to them.

1. After receiving constructive criticism from her manager, Sarah decided to take it to heart and improve her performance at work.
2. He tends to take comments about his writing to heart, often reflecting on how he can enhance his storytelling skills.
3. When his friend pointed out that he was overreacting, he took her advice to heart and tried to approach the situation more calmly.
4. The coach told the team to take their defeat to heart and learn from their mistakes for the next game.
5. After reading the heartbreaking news article, she took the message to heart and began volunteering at a local shelter.

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