PhrasesHub

tugged at the heartstrings

    Definitions

      • evoke strong emotions
        Describing something that elicits deep feelings, often sadness or sympathy

    Examples of tugged at the heartstrings

    • The heart-wrenching tale of a little boy separated from his family during a natural disaster left us all feeling emotional and tugged at the heartstrings.

      "Tugged at the heartstrings" is a metaphorical expression used to describe something that evokes strong emotions, particularly feelings of sympathy, sadness, or warmth in the chest. In this example, the use of "tugged at the heartstrings" highlights the emotional resonance of the story and suggests that it has the ability to connect deeply with the listener or reader.

    • The old man playing the accordion in the park brought tears to our eyes and tugged at the heartstrings.

      In this example, the use of "tugged at the heartstrings" refers to the emotional impact of the old man's music, which has a powerful ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia, melancholy, or tenderness. The phrase suggests that the music has touched something deep and sacred within us, inspiring us to feel empathy and compassion for the old man, and perhaps for ourselves as well.

    • The final scene in the movie, where the protagonist reunites with his lost love, left us all feeling sentimental and tugged at the heartstrings.

      In this example, the use of "tugged at the heartstrings" reflects the emotional potency of the movie's conclusion, which has the ability to resonate deeply with the audience, inspiring feelings of romance, warmth, and nostalgia. The phrase suggests that the scene has the power to move us in a profound way by touching upon our deepest emotions and desires.

    • The little girl's rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" may have been simple, but it was filled with innocence and tugged at the heartstrings.

      In this example, the use of "tugged at the heartstrings" refers to the emotional impact of the little girl's singing, which has the power to evoke feelings of childlike wonder and tenderness. The phrase suggests that the simplicity and purity of the little girl's performance has been able to move us deeply, touching upon something sacred and precious within us.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "tugged at the heartstrings" is used to describe something that deeply affects someone emotionally. It can refer to a piece of music, a story, or a situation that elicits strong feelings, particularly sadness or sympathy. The intention is to convey the powerful impact that the subject has on one's emotions.

    This phrase is often used in a figurative sense to describe the emotional impact of various forms of art, such as music, literature, or film. It can also be used to describe real-life situations that stir up intense emotions in people. Overall, the idiom "tugged at the heartstrings" is a vivid way to express the profound emotional effect of something.

    Origin of "tugged at the heartstrings"

    The origin of the idiom "tugged at the heartstrings" can be traced back to the idea of emotions being connected to the physical heart. The word "tugged" suggests a strong, physical action, indicating the power of the emotions being evoked. The use of "heartstrings" metaphorically refers to the deepest emotions and feelings within a person.

    This idiom likely originated from the concept of the heart as the center of emotions in many cultures. The idea that certain experiences or works of art can "tug" at these metaphorical "heartstrings" reflects the belief in the deep connection between emotions and the physical heart. Over time, the phrase has become a common and expressive way to describe the profound emotional impact of something.