Close/dear/near to somebody’s heart
phrase
Something or someone that you feel a strong affection or deep concern for.
Helping the less fortunate is something that is dear to my heart.
Often appears as...
- hold something dear to one's heart
- be near to one's heart
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A subject or goal that a person values highly or pursues with passion.
Education is a cause that is very close to her heart.
Often appears as...
- fight for something dear to one's heart
- cause near to one's heart
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Something or someone that you feel a strong affection or deep concern for.
Helping the less fortunate is something that is dear to my heart.
Often appears as...
- hold something dear to one's heart
- be near to one's heart
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A subject or goal that a person values highly or pursues with passion.
Education is a cause that is very close to her heart.
Often appears as...
- fight for something dear to one's heart
- cause near to one's heart
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Expression
Used to express deep personal feelings, often about topics that strongly affect one's life.
Guarding the environment is near to my heart, as I grew up in the countryside.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Literal
The phrase can be metaphorical, not meaning physical closeness, but emotional connection.
This old guitar is dear to my heart; it belonged to my grandfather.
Pro Tip 3/3Possessive Nuance
Can imply a sense of personal responsibility or a desire to protect what's mentioned.
Child welfare remains close to her heart; she was once a foster child herself.
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