break someone’s heart, to
Definition:
To make someone very unhappy, to cause great grief.
Inspirational Farewell:
“May your heart be strengthened by understanding, for even in sorrow, there is a profound lesson to be learned.”
Origins and Historical Usage:
The expression goes back at least to Chaucer’s time and is echoed by poets in just about every era. For instance, Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1.2) laments, “But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue.”
Ironical Twist:
Nowadays, the cliché is sometimes spoken ironically: “You break my heart,” meaning “I really don’t feel sorry for you.”
Related Terms:
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Tear apart
To destroy a relationship or friendship
Synonyms: Ruin, devastate
Antonyms: Mend, heal -
Breakdown
A failure, typically in a system or relationship
Synonyms: Collapse, failure
Antonyms: Repair, recovery -
Shattered
To be completely discouraged or devastated oneself
Proverbs and Common Phrases:
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“Every cloud has a silver lining”
(Implying that in times of great sorrow, there is always hope.) -
“Time heals all wounds”
(Over time, emotional pain lessens.) -
“The chains of love are sweeter than those of fear.”
-Anon
Literature and Poetic References:
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Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The quintessential tale of tragic love and broken hearts. -
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
A story imbued with emotional depth, love, and inevitable heartbreak.
Movies:
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
A film that delves deeply into love, loss, and memory. -
La La Land
Examines the joys and grief of following one’s dreams and love life.
Songs:
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“Someone Like You” by Adele
A stirring anthem of heartbreak and resilience. -
“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
A poignant ode to love and loss.
Enjoy an unforgettable journey through heartbreak and healing with insights old and new. Be prepared to listen, read, watch, or even sing through sentiments that break and also mend—even scarred hearts can find comfort in the shared human experience. 💔
