The sad commercial plays on your heartstrings to get donations.
play on someone's heartstrings
idiomTo produce strong emotions of sadness or pity in someone.
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.
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another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
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answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
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answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
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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.
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bane of someone's existence
Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.
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bash someone's face in
To beat someone violently.
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bash someone's head
To beat up someone violently.
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be someone's to lose
To be anticipated to be won by someone.
Last updated July 12, 2026