English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Heavy heart
Meaning
"Heavy heart" is an idiom that means feeling sad or disappointed about something. It can also mean carrying a heavy burden or responsibility. The phrase can be used to describe a sense of weight and emotional heaviness.
Usage
- After losing her job, Sarah walked home with a heavy heart.
- I had a heavy heart when my grandfather passed away.
- He carries the heavy burden of being the team captain, but he loves it.
- She has to make a difficult decision that will weigh heavily on her conscience.
- The news of the natural disaster left the community with a heavy heart.
Roots and History
The phrase "heavy heart" has been used in English literature since at least the 14th century. It comes from Old French "cœur lourd," which means "heavy heart." In medieval times, the phrase was often used to describe someone who was mourning or feeling sad after a loss. Over time, the meaning of the phrase has expanded to include any sense of emotional heaviness or burden.
Synonyms in English
- Heartbroken
- Devastated
- Crushed
- Mournful
- Despondent
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - Triste/a (sad)
- French - Triste/e (sad)
- German - Verzweifelt/e (despondent)
- Italian - Triste/o (sad)
- Portuguese - Triste/a (sad)