Idiom
Change of heart
A change of heart is a change in your opinion, feelings or plans, often toward a kinder or more willing position.
How people use it
People use it when someone reverses a decision or attitude: "He was against the move but had a change of heart after visiting the city." The usual verb is have ("she had a change of heart"). It suggests a sincere, personal shift rather than a calculated one. The change can go either way, but it often means becoming more generous, open or forgiving. The tone is neutral, so it fits conversation, news and formal writing alike.
Examples
- Grace was going to sell her piano, but she had a change of heart after playing it one last time.
- The landlord had a change of heart and let us keep the cat.
- After meeting the volunteers, Ben had a change of heart about helping at the food bank.
Where it comes from
Since ancient times the heart has been treated as the center of feelings and will, so changing your heart meant changing what you wanted or believed. Older religious writing used the phrase for a deep personal change. By the 1800s it was common in everyday English for any change of mind or feeling.
Check yourself
1. If your friend has a change of heart, what has happened?
Answer: She has changed her mind or feelings. A change of heart means a change in opinion or feelings.
2. Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Answer: Dad said no to the trip, but he had a change of heart the next morning.. Dad reversed his decision, which is what a change of heart means.
Similar idioms
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