ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take to heart

idiom
Meaning

To take something seriously; to internalize or live according to something (e.g. advice.)


Examples
SIMPLE

She took his advice to heart and changed her habits.

CONTEXTUAL

The coach's words about teamwork really stuck with him, and he took them to heart.

COMPLEX

Though delivered casually, her grandmother's warning about patience was something she took to heart, shaping how she faced every challenge thereafter.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

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

  2. 02

    all heart

    Motivated by positive emotions, especially as productive of exceptionally generous or kind behavior.

  3. 03

    be still my heart

    An admonition to oneself to calm down when overly excited, especially in terms of romantic attraction.

  4. 04

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  5. 05

    break someone's heart

    To cause a person to feel grief, disappointment, or sadness.

  6. 06

    broken heart

    A feeling of grief or loss, especially after a failed romantic relationship.

  7. 07

    change of heart

    A change of one's opinion, belief or decision.

  8. 08

    cross my heart

    A declaration that the speaker is telling the truth.

Last updated April 17, 2026