Break somebody’s heart

usgb
verb phrase

To cause someone to feel severe sadness or disappointment.

When John found out his girlfriend was leaving him, it broke his heart.
Visual representation of "break somebody’s heart" - To cause someone to feel severe sadness or disappointment

Often appears as...

  • it broke her heart
  • it would break his heart

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "break somebody’s heart"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

Used to express very deep emotions when someone is hurt emotionally.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Watching her childhood home being torn down broke her heart.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Hyperbolic Usage

Sometimes used exaggeratedly for minor sadness, not only for severe cases.

Illustration for Hyperbolic Usage
It breaks my heart to see my favorite plant wither.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Sense

This phrase doesn't involve physical harm, but speaks to emotional hurt.

Illustration for Metaphorical Sense
The news of the dying forest broke her heart.
Visual representation of the word "Break somebody’s heart"

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