at heart

at heart

1. In accordance with one's deepest feelings or desires. He's not interested in this accounting job because he's an artist at heart.
2. Fundamentally or intrinsically. Nicole is a kind person at heart—you just need to spend some more time with her.
See also: heart
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at heart

1. Fundamentally, basically, as in He's a good fellow at heart. It was first recorded in Alexander Pope's Epistle to a Lady (1735): "But every Woman is at heart a Rake."
2. In one's deepest feelings, as a great concern, as in The governor has the party's best interests at heart. [Early 1700s]
See also: heart
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

at ˈheart

used to say what somebody is really like even though they may seem to be different: He seems strict but he’s a very kind man at heart. OPPOSITE: on the surface
See also: heart
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

at heart

In one's deepest feelings; fundamentally.
See also: heart
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • be going great guns
  • if (one) is a day
  • if he is a day
  • if he's, she's, etc. a day
  • be a moot point
  • be a moot point/question
  • moot
  • be a moot question
  • French leave
  • if one’s a day