play on someone's heartstrings
To produce strong emotions of sadness or pity in someone.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The sad commercial plays on your heartstrings to get donations.”
“The politician tried to play on the voters' heartstrings by telling a tragic story about his childhood.”
“The novelist masterfully played on the reader's heartstrings, weaving a tale of loss that made even the most cynical critics weep.”
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 03
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
- 05
bane of someone's existence
Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.
- 06
bash someone's face in
To beat someone violently.
- 07
bash someone's head
To beat up someone violently.
- 08
be someone's to lose
To be anticipated to be won by someone.
Last updated August 10, 2026