# set one's heart on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/set-ones-heart-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- She has set her heart on buying that red car.
- He had set his heart on studying abroad, so he worked extra hours to save enough money for the trip.
- 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.

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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.