# play on someone's heartstrings

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-on-someones-heartstrings
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To produce strong emotions of sadness or pity in someone.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.