change of heart
change of heart
Meaning | Synonyms
- change one's opinion or the way one feels about something
- a shift to a different opinion or thought
- about face
- about turn
- volte-face
- second thoughts
- rethink
- U-turn
Example Sentence
- The call-back of the military and troops from Afghanistan shows a change of heart by the British government.
- I know that I said I would go to the concert with you but I have had a change of heart.
- What was the reason behind the sudden change of heart about marriage?
- The government seems to has a change of heart over the newly implemented tax policy.
- I have a change of heart as a result I have postponed the departure dates of my holiday trip.
- I think it's perfect time to propose her now – before she has a change of heart.
- The footballer has a change of heart after retirement declaration upset fans.
- He would never forgive you for cheating on him unless he has a change of heart.
- Ashoka had a change of heart after viewing the bloodshed of countless dead human beings in Kalinga War.
- I have a change of heart when I saw people were dying from hunger.
Origin
The origin of the phrase is not known. There is conflicting information regarding the first use of the phrase. Some publications believe that it has been in use since the 1600s while others believe that it has only been used since the 1800s. As no proof can be found in print it is difficult to determine which is correct. It is a common thread that is often used in literature. A good example of this is Jane Austen's “Pride and Prejudice” published in 1813.
The origin of the work “change” can be traced back to the 1200s. The word means to alter or exchange.
If you analyse the meaning of the idiom you see that it means to change the way that one feels about a situation. The heart is often used in reference to feelings. Thus, if you change your heart you change the way that you feel about something.
Since the 1300s it has taken on the meaning to undergo alteration or become different. It is more possible that this is the meaning of “change” as used in this idiom.