IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishhand on heart
Meaning: Said when swearing that something is completely true.
Example: “Hand on heart, I had no idea the tickets were fake.”
Origin: The gesture of laying a hand on the heart accompanies oaths and pledges. The phrase is common in English from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Russian: положа руку на сердце (polozhá ruku na sérdtse) Literally: Putting a hand on one's heart
More English idioms
- a trump card A decisive advantage kept in reserve.
- not turn a hair To show no reaction at all.
- hide one's light under a bushel To keep one's talents hidden.
- two men and a dog A very small crowd.
- has the cat got your tongue? Said to someone who stays silent when they should speak.
- a load of nonsense Something completely untrue or silly.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Je bent een kanjer You're a star — a champ and a wonderful person.
- Золотые руки (Zolotye ruki) You're wonderfully skilled with your hands — a true master at making and fixing things.
- Χρυσό μου (Chrysó mou) My darling — a tender term of endearment.
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