PhrasesHub

lost heart

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • lose confidence
        Used to describe when someone has become disheartened or demoralized, often leading to a lack of motivation or hope

    Examples of lost heart

    • The team had high hopes at the start of the game, but they lost heart after conceding an early goal and failed to mount a comeback.

      In this example, the team initially had motivation and determination, but they lost this after being conceded an early goal. This caused them to lack the required spirit and energy to attempt a comeback.

    • The entrepreneur lost heart when his investments did not yield the expected returns, and eventually he had to close down his business.

      This example shows that the entrepreneur became demotivated and losing hope in his venture when he did not get the desired outcomes from his investments. Ultimately, this lack of faith led to the closure of his business.

    • The researchers had made significant progress with the experiment, but they lost heart after a series of unexpected failures, and they could not complete the project.

      This example illustrates that the researchers initially made progress with an experiment, but their motivation and optimism diminished after experiencing a sequence of unanticipated setbacks. This loss of hope caused them to abandon the project.

    • The artist had created a masterpiece but lost heart after the painting received negative criticism from the critics, and she never pursued painting again.

      In this example, the artist created a remarkable work of art, but her enthusiasm and confidence waned after receiving unfavourable opinions from critics. This lack of encouragement caused her to abandon painting altogether.

    • The football team lost heart in the second half, and the opposition scored three goals to secure their place in the finals.

      The football team started the game with a lot of enthusiasm and determination, but as the match progressed, they grew tired and lost hope of winning. Consequently, the opposition team, taking advantage of the weakened morale of their opponents, managed to secure a comfortable lead and ultimately secured their place in the finals.

    • She had lost heart in her search for a job and started to doubt her own abilities.

      After a prolonged and unsuccessful job search, the individual had become disheartened and had started to doubt her own skills and capabilities. This loss of confidence and motivation could be hindering her further job prospects.

    • The team had worked incredibly hard to win the first half, but they lost heart and failed to maintain their momentum in the second half.

      Despite a dominant performance in the first half, the team seemed to lose their drive and determination in the second half of the match. Perhaps due to a lack of energy, focus, or belief, they failed to maintain their lead and ultimately lost the game.

    • The students had lost heart in their studies and had begun to skip classes regularly.

      Feeling overwhelmed or discouraged by their academic workload, the students began to lose interest and motivation in their studies. This may have led to a decline in their performance and potentially affected their academic future.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "lost heart" can be used to discourage someone from pursuing a fruitless endeavor or to describe a loss of confidence and motivation. It conveys a sense of disappointment and resignation, warning against continuing down a certain path or giving up on a goal due to a lack of belief in success.

    When someone is told they have "lost heart," it is a gentle way of suggesting that they should rethink their actions or mindset to avoid further disappointment. It can serve as a reminder to stay positive and persistent in the face of challenges, rather than succumbing to feelings of defeat.

    Overall, the phrase highlights the importance of maintaining hope and determination in the face of adversity, encouraging individuals to persevere and not give up easily.

    Origin of "lost heart"

    The origin of the idiom "lost heart" can be traced back to ancient times when the heart was believed to be the center of emotions and courage. In many cultures, the heart symbolized bravery, determination, and passion. Therefore, when someone was said to have "lost heart," it meant that they had lost their inner strength and motivation to continue forward.

    The expression likely evolved over time as a metaphorical way of describing a person's emotional state and mental resilience. It has since become a common phrase used to convey a sense of discouragement or lack of confidence.

    The idiom "lost heart" continues to be relevant in modern language, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and inner strength in the face of challenges.