PhrasesHub

change of heart

    Definitions

      • change of opinion or attitude
        To describe a sudden shift in one's beliefs or feelings about something or someone, often resulting in a complete reversal of one's previous stance

      • remorse or regret
        To express remorse or regret for a past decision or action, often used when one realizes they were wrong or made a mistake

    Examples of change of heart

    • Sarah had always been against the idea of adopting a child, but after seeing how happy her friend's new adopted child was, she had a change of heart and decided to pursue adoption herself.

      This idiom is used to describe a sudden and significant shift in someone's opinion or attitude towards a particular issue or situation. In this example, Sarah had been firmly opposed to the idea of adoption, but a change in circumstances (seeing the happiness of her friend's adopted child) caused her to reconsider her position and adopt a new perspective.

    • The CEO initially seemed set against the idea of a merger, but after some persuasive arguments from his team, he had a change of heart and agreed to move forward with the proposal.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used in a business context to describe a decision-maker's change in opinion. The CEO was initially opposed to the idea of a merger, but after being presented with compelling evidence and arguments, he changed his mind and agreed to pursue the proposal.

    • The athlete had always been a fierce competitor, but after suffering a serious injury, she had a change of heart and decided to focus more on coaching and mentoring younger athletes.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a change in someone's career or personal goals. The athlete's injury forced her to reevaluate her priorities and led her to shift her focus away from competing and towards coaching and mentoring.

    • The politician had long been an advocate for stricter gun control laws, but after meeting with constituents who expressed concerns about their right to self-defense, she had a change of heart and decided to explore alternative solutions.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a change in someone's political beliefs or positions. The politician's interactions with her constituents caused her to reconsider her stance on gun control and prompted her to explore new options that balanced the need for public safety with individual rights.

    • The artist had initially been hesitant to try a new medium, but after seeing the stunning results of her friend's experimentation with mixed media, she had a change of heart and decided to give it a try herself.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a change in someone's creative or artistic pursuits. The artist's friend's success with mixed media inspired her to try the same technique, leading to a shift in her artistic practice.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "change of heart" is often used to describe a significant shift in one's beliefs or feelings. It can refer to a change of opinion or attitude, as well as a sense of remorse or regret for a past decision. This phrase implies a sudden and dramatic change, rather than a gradual evolution of one's thoughts or emotions.

    Origin of "change of heart"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, specifically to the teachings of Aristotle. In his work, "Nicomachean Ethics," Aristotle discusses the concept of "metanoia," which translates to "change of mind" or "change of heart." This term was used to describe a transformation in one's beliefs or values, often resulting from a shift in moral or ethical thinking.

    Over time, the phrase "change of heart" became more commonly used in English literature and evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings. It is now commonly used in everyday language to describe a change in opinion or attitude, as well as feelings of remorse or regret. This idiom has stood the test of time and remains a popular expression in modern English.