English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Change of heart
Meaning
The idiom "change of heart" refers to a sudden, significant alteration in one's feelings or emotions towards something or someone. It suggests that a person has undergone a transformation in their thoughts or perspective. This can manifest as a reversal of an earlier decision or action, or simply a shift in attitudes or preferences.
Usage
- After years of being against vaccines, Mary had a change of heart and decided to get her child immunized.
- He initially wasn't interested in pursuing the job opportunity, but after meeting with the team, he had a change of heart and applied.
- John had been dating his girlfriend for months, but when he found out she was cheating on him, he had a change of heart and broke it off.
- Despite being an avid runner for years, Sarah decided to take up yoga instead after experiencing a change of heart towards a more mindful lifestyle.
- When faced with the prospect of spending the rest of his life in jail, Alex had a change of heart and confessed to the crime he had been accused of.
Roots and History
The idiom "change of heart" has its roots in medieval literature and religious traditions. In many Christian narratives, characters undergo a transformation in their hearts after experiencing a moment of spiritual revelation or conversion. This idea was later adapted into a secular sense, referring to any significant shift in one's feelings or beliefs. Over time, the idiom has remained relatively consistent in its meaning and usage, although it may be used more frequently in contemporary language to describe people who are undergoing personal transformations in their attitudes towards social issues or political beliefs.
Synonyms in English
- About-face: A sudden, complete reversal of opinion or course of action.
- Turnaround: An instance where a situation or person experiences a significant change in direction or performance.
- Flip-flop: To reverse one's position or decision on a matter.
- U-turn: A sharp change in course or direction, often in response to new information or circumstances.
- Reversal of fortunes: A dramatic change in one's financial or personal situation, typically from bad to good.
Synonyms in other languages
- 心状の変更 (Shinjō no henge) - Japanese
- Derweil (Deviation) - Arabic
- שלם (Shalem) - Hebrew
- חובה שלטן אתנים (Chovah shaltan etnayim) - Hebrew
- النفس الجازية (An-nafs al-jiâziya) - Arabic