What does “Put your hand on your heart” mean?
"Put your hand on your heart" means to be completely honest or sincere.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I can put my hand on my heart and say that I did my best.
Example
You need to put your hand on your heart and tell me the truth.
Example
When he said he loved her, she knew he was putting his hand on his heart
Is “Put your hand on your heart” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Put your hand on your heart” 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 “Put your hand on your heart” effectively in context?
You can use "Put your hand on your heart" to emphasize that you are being completely honest or sincere. It is often used when making a statement or expressing a belief. For example, if someone asks if you did your best in a competition, you might say, 'I can put my hand on my heart and say that I did my best.'
- 1Personal Integrity
When he said he loved her, she knew he was putting his hand on his heart.
- 2Seeking the Truth
You need to put your hand on your heart and tell me the truth.
- 3Self-Assurance
I can put my hand on my heart and say that I did my best.
Similar phrases to “Put your hand on your heart”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Put your hand on your heart” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Put your hand on your heart" is unknown.
Is “Put your hand on your heart” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Put your hand on your heart" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize their honesty or sincerity.
What tone does “Put your hand on your heart” have?
"Put your hand on your heart" conveys a tone of sincerity and trustworthiness. It is often used to assure others of one's honesty or to request honesty from someone else.
Can “Put your hand on your heart” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Put your hand on your heart" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being completely honest or sincere. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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, 'You need to put your hand on your heart and tell me the truth.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I can "put my hand on my heart"!' to imply complete honesty.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- honestly
- truly
- sincerely
- in all honesty
- without a doubt
Antonyms
- dishonestly
- insincerely
- deceptively
- falsely
- with reservations