What does it mean to take something "to heart?"
http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/take+to+heart
To me "Taking something to heart" means that whatever he/she had said had meant a lot to me (even if its good or bad). other words to me it's like taking something seriously than what it should be.
Thank you both!
You're welcome.
The phrase "to take something to heart" means to deeply internalize or to be profoundly affected by something, usually an event, information, or feedback. It indicates that one is genuinely impacted by what was said or experienced, and it resonates deeply within them. To better understand the meaning of idiomatic phrases like this, let's break it down.
1. Context: Context is crucial in understanding idiomatic expressions. In this case, the phrase usually refers to the emotional or psychological impact of something on an individual.
2. Literal interpretation: Taking something "to heart" does not have a literal meaning. It is not about a physical action involving the heart but rather an emotional or mental response.
3. Figurative interpretation: Idiomatic phrases often have figurative meanings that differ from their literal interpretations. In this case, "heart" symbolizes the emotional core or the depth of one's feelings and beliefs.
4. Emotional impact: By saying that someone "takes something to heart," it implies that they genuinely care about it, it affects them deeply, and it touches their core beliefs or values.
Understanding idiomatic expressions requires considering the context and the figurative interpretations of the words involved. It is essential to understand the underlying meaning rather than taking the phrase literally.