PLAY HEARTSTRINGS Meaning and
Definition
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To "play heartstrings" is an idiom that refers to the act of deliberately evoking strong emotions, especially sadness, sympathy, or nostalgia in someone. The phrase originated from the concept that the heart is metaphorically connected to strings, which, when played like a musical instrument, can elicit certain emotional responses. When something or someone is said to "play heartstrings," it means they are purposely attempting to trigger deep emotions within someone, often in a manipulative or sentimental manner.
This expression is frequently used to describe artistic works such as literature, music, films, or performances that aim to tug at the audience's emotions. It implies that the creator or performer is skillfully pulling and manipulating the emotional state of the listeners or viewers, often with the intention of eliciting sympathy, empathy, or connection. By invoking feelings of sadness, melancholy, or nostalgia, the work or person playing heartstrings aims to leave a lasting impact and resonates deeply with the recipient.
However, "playing heartstrings" can also be employed in a more negative sense, suggesting a calculated approach to exploit or deceive someone's feelings for personal gain or manipulation. In this context, it signifies the act of knowingly using emotional triggers to control or influence others emotionally.
Overall, "play heartstrings" is an idiomatic expression that refers to intentionally evoking strong emotions, either genuinely or with manipulative intent, typically through creative mediums or personal interactions.
Common Misspellings for PLAY HEARTSTRINGS
- olay heartstrings
- llay heartstrings
- -lay heartstrings
- 0lay heartstrings
- pkay heartstrings
- ppay heartstrings
- poay heartstrings
- plzy heartstrings
- plsy heartstrings
- plwy heartstrings
- plqy heartstrings
- plat heartstrings
- plag heartstrings
- plah heartstrings
- plau heartstrings
- pla7 heartstrings
- pla6 heartstrings
- play geartstrings
- play beartstrings
- play neartstrings
- playheartstrings
Etymology of PLAY HEARTSTRINGS
The phrase "play (someone's) heartstrings" is a figurative expression that means to deeply move or evoke emotions.
The word "heartstrings" is believed to originate from the ancient belief that emotions and feelings were seated in the heart. It was believed that the heart was the source of love, passion, and sentimentality. In English, "heartstrings" first appeared in the 15th century as a translation of the Latin term "chordae cordis" which referred to tendons or nerves thought to be attached to or wound around the heart.
The use of the word "play" in conjunction with "heartstrings" creates a metaphorical image of someone skillfully or artfully plucking the strings of a musical instrument connected to the heart, leading to an emotional response.
