Graveyard shift

[1138] Have a change of heart

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To change your opinion, attitude, or decision about something.

Origin

  • The heart has long been metaphorically associated with emotions, feelings, and core beliefs.
  • A change of heart implies a fundamental shift in one's feelings or intentions regarding a matter.
  • The phrase has been used since at least the 17th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Change one's mind. (Most common synonym)
  • Think differently.
  • Reconsider.
  • Have second thoughts. (Implies doubt leading to a potential change)
  • Do an about-face / U-turn. (A complete reversal of opinion or policy)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Flip-flop. (Often used negatively, implying inconsistency or lack of conviction, especially in politics)
  • Do a 180. (A complete reversal)
  • Decide against it.

Milder/Standard:

  • Changed my mind.
  • Revised my position. (More formal)
  • Altered my decision.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in most contexts, informal and formal.
  • It's a common and neutral way to describe changing one's mind.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The link between heart and opinion/decision is key.
  • It's not about a physical heart condition. Emphasize the emotional or attitudinal shift.

Examples

  • I was going to sell my car, but I had a change of heart and decided to keep it.
  • He didn't want to apologize at first, but he had a change of heart.
  • The company had a change of heart about the proposed merger.

Dialogue

Zoe: I thought you were moving to London?

Sam: I was planning to, but I had a change of heart. I realized I'm happy here.

Zoe: Oh, wow! So you're staying? What prompted the change?

Sam: Just thinking about family and friends here... it felt right to stay.

Social Media Examples

  • Facebook update: Was going to deactivate my account, but had a change of heart! Too many connections here I value. 😊
  • Tweet: Looks like the senator had a change of heart on the bill after public pressure. #Politics #Accountability
  • Blog post: Why I Had a Change of Heart About Veganism

Response Patterns

  • Oh? What made you/him/her change your/their mind?
  • Really? I thought you/they were set on that.
  • That's interesting.
  • Good for you/them. (If the change is seen as positive)

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • Almost always involves asking for the reason behind the change (What made you change your mind?).
  • Might lead to discussing the new decision or opinion. So you're keeping the car then? Are you going to fix it up?

Conversation Starter

  • No. Describes a shift in opinion or decision, usually reported after it has happened.

Intonation

  • Stress on CHANGE and HEART.
  • Often said with slight surprise or emphasis on the shift in position.
  • She HAD a CHANGE of HEART.

Generation Differences

  • Universally understood and used.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Graveyard shift
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