What does “Cross my heart and hope to die” mean?
"Cross my heart and hope to die" means to promise something very sincerely.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I cross my heart and hope to die that I will never tell anyone your secret.
Example
He crossed his heart and hoped to die that he would always be there for her.
Example
She crossed her heart and hoped to die that she would never forget their special day
Is “Cross my heart and hope to die” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cross my heart and hope to die” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Cross my heart and hope to die” effectively in context?
You can use "Cross my heart and hope to die" to emphasize the sincerity and seriousness of a promise. It is often used in informal conversations among friends or family members. For example, if you want to assure someone that you will keep their secret, you might say, 'I "cross my heart and hope to die" that I will never tell anyone your secret.'
- 1Friendship
He crossed his heart and hoped to die that he would always be there for her.
- 2Special Occasions
She crossed her heart and hoped to die that she would never forget their special day.
- 3Trust
I cross my heart and hope to die that I will always be honest with you.
Similar phrases to “Cross my heart and hope to die”:
Scout's honor
A promise made with utmost sincerity and integrity, often associated with the values of the Boy Scouts
Example
He gave his scout's honor that he would always do his best.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cross my heart and hope to die” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cross my heart and hope to die" is unknown.
Is “Cross my heart and hope to die” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cross my heart and hope to die" is a common idiom in everyday conversation, especially among children and close friends. It is used to emphasize the sincerity of a promise or statement.
What tone does “Cross my heart and hope to die” have?
"Cross my heart and hope to die" conveys a tone of sincerity and trustworthiness. It is often used in lighthearted or playful situations to show the depth of one's commitment to keeping a promise.
Can “Cross my heart and hope to die” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Cross my heart and hope to die" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can also be used in more formal situations to add emphasis to a promise. However, it is important to consider the context and the level of formality when using this phrase.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I "cross my heart and hope to die" that I will never break your trust.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Cross my heart and hope to die"!' to emphasize the sincerity of a promise.
