The phrase "crossed one heart" is often used to promise sincerity. The spelling of "crossed" is /krɒst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The 'c' is pronounced as /k/, the 'r' as /r/, the first 'o' as /ɒ/, the 's' as /s/ and the second 's' as /t/. The phrase is usually followed by the gesture of crossing one's fingers over one's heart. The spelling of "heart" is /hɑːt/ with an 'h' pronounced as /h/, the 'ea' as /ɑː/, and the 't' as /t/.
Crossed one's heart is an idiomatic expression usually employed to convey a solemn promise or a sincere declaration of truthfulness. It is an affirmation made by an individual to express honesty, loyalty, or commitment to another person. When someone says "crossed my heart," it often implies that the speaker is making a vow or emphasizing the truthfulness of their statement.
The phrase is believed to have derived from the gesture of physically crossing one's chest as a symbolic act of reinforcing the words being spoken. By crossing their heart, the speaker is symbolically binding themselves to their promise or declaration. It serves as a visual representation of one's sincerity accompanied by an oath-like commitment, indicating that their words are genuine and trustworthy.
This expression is often used by children during innocent promises or when trying to convince someone of their trustworthiness. However, it is also commonly used by adults in everyday conversations to express heartfelt honesty or ensure reliability. It conveys a sense of faithfulness, as if the speaker's heart is marked with an unbroken bond of truthfulness.
Overall, "crossed one's heart" serves as a verbal affirmation, emphasizing the speaker's genuine intentions or a commitment to truth, loyalty, or a promise they make to someone.