hand on heart
Meaning: Said when swearing that something is completely true.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Hand on heart, I had no idea the tickets were fake.”
Category: Body & Senses
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 idioms — Body & Senses
- you'll live — Said to someone making a fuss over a small injury or setback.
- with an iron fist — With harsh, absolute control.
- all brawn and no brain — Physically strong but not clever.
- until one is blue in the face — For as long as one likes, with no result.
- take matters into one's own hands — To act oneself because others have failed to.
- all in one's head — Imagined rather than real, or a matter of attitude.
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.
- charity begins at home — One's first duty is to one's own family.
- 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.
From our compliments & insults
- 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.