break somebody's heart

break (one's) heart

To cause one to feel great sadness. This phrase is often said about the end of a romantic relationship. I know Adam broke your heart, but there are lots of guys out there who would treat you well. That poor, skittish cat just breaks my heart—I can't believe someone abandoned her!
See also: break, heart
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

break somebody’s ˈheart

make somebody feel extremely unhappy: That boy is breaking his mother’s heart with his wild ways. It’s a job I would like, but it won’t break my heart if I don’t get it. ▶ ˈheartbreak noun: He causes his mother nothing but heartbreak. ˈheartbreaking, ˈheartbroken adj.: a heartbreaking story We were heartbroken by the news.
See also: break, heart
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • break (one's) heart
  • break heart
  • break someone's heart
  • break your heart
  • eat (one's) heart out
  • eat heart out
  • eat one’s heart out
  • eat one's heart out
  • eat your heart out
  • my heart bleeds for you
References in periodicals archive
There's no easy way to break somebody's heart, as the song goes.
IS IT THE END OF THE ROAD FOR US?
Her mother said, 'I know you're going to break her heart, but please be gentle.' "I said, 'I don't know how you could break somebody's heart and be gentle, but I don't intend to break her heart.' You never intend to."
Burt's frail but he's still an arresting star
I'm sure you've heard of the saying there's no easy way to break somebody's heart. This is absolutely true.
Let him go