To have something "by heart" refers to the act of committing knowledge or information to memory, retaining it so thoroughly that it becomes ingrained or second nature. It implies a great level of familiarity and mastery over the subject matter. When someone states that they "have something by heart," it means they can recall it effortlessly, without the need for any external aids or prompts.
This phrase most commonly applies to memorizing written or spoken material, such as poems, songs, speeches, or even specific lines from a book or script. It suggests a deep understanding and familiarity with the content, beyond mere rote memorization. The person who has something by heart has fully internalized the information, making it a part of their own cognitive framework.
Having something by heart comes with the ability to recall it accurately and instantaneously. It implies a complete command of the material, enabling the individual to recite or reproduce it flawlessly, often word-for-word. This level of familiarity typically comes through repeated exposure, focused learning, and deliberate memorization techniques.
The expression "having something by heart" can also extend to more practical or procedural tasks, such as knowing a recipe, a dance routine, or a particular skill. In these cases, it refers to being able to perform the action effortlessly, without hesitation or the need for constant reference to instructions or guidance.
Overall, to have something by heart signifies a deep level of internalization and mastery, elevating knowledge or a skillset to a subconscious level where it becomes instinctive and intuitive.
