IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishone's heart sinks
Meaning: To feel sudden disappointment or dread.
Example: “My heart sank when I saw the envelope from the tax office.”
Origin: The heart is pictured as dropping in the chest, the physical feeling that comes with bad news. The phrase is found from the 18th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: caérsele el alma a los pies Literally: The soul falls to one's feet
More English idioms
- jump at the chance To accept an opportunity eagerly and at once.
- a matter of life and death Something of the greatest possible seriousness.
- rough and ready Crude but good enough for the purpose.
- keep up appearances To behave as if nothing is wrong, to protect one's reputation.
- grow like wildfire To spread very fast.
- at the stroke of a pen By one quick official decision.
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