ENGLISH
REFERENCE

set one's heart on

idiom
Meaning

To desire with intensity and commitment, to earnestly long for.


Examples
SIMPLE

She has set her heart on buying that red car.

CONTEXTUAL

He had set his heart on studying abroad, so he worked extra hours to save enough money for the trip.

COMPLEX

Despite the warnings from her mentors, she had set her heart on pursuing a career in the arts, fully prepared to face the inevitable challenges ahead.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  3. 03

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  6. 06

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  8. 08

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

Last updated July 12, 2026