✝️ Cross My Heart (And Hope to Die)
Definition:
What I’m saying is really true. Originally a solemn oath for veracity, this phrase became a schoolyard assertion. Traditionally accompanied by crossing one’s arms over the chest and then raising the right arm, it dates back to the second half of the 1800s.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
-
Synonyms:
Scout’s honor, honest to goodness, pinky promise, swear on my life -
Antonyms:
Liar liar pants on fire, fibbing, tall tale, white lie
Usage in Literature:
- “Joanna was shocked. ‘You didn’t tell her that!’—Now it was Butch’s turn to grin. ‘I did,’ he said. ‘Scout’s honor.’” - Devil’s Claw by J. A. Jance (2000)
- “‘Swear you’ll keep me posted on your progress?’—‘Girl Scout’s honor. Or may I simply cross my heart?’” - Remember Me, Irene by Jan Burke (1996)
Related Expressions:
- Scout’s honor: Associated with the promise of honesty taken by Boy (and Girl) Scouts, dating from about 1900.
- Pinky promise: A childhood vow that involves intertwining pinky fingers.
- Honest to goodness: Another variation used to stress the truth of one’s statement.
Proverbs and Tidbits of Wisdom:
- “Honesty is the best policy.” [Book]Poor Richard’s Almanack by Benjamin Franklin.
- “The truth will set you free.” - John 8:32 (The Bible)
For a Fun Read:
- True Lies in Everyday Communication by Sam Truthseeker (New York: Generic Publishing, 2023)
Soundtracks of Truth:
- Honesty by Billy Joel 🎶
- Truth Hurts by Lizzo 🎤
A Note Worth Reading:
- “Scout’s honor!” — Readers should absolutely dive into The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde to explore the satire and wit associated with promised truthfulness and mistaken identities. 📚
Intriguing Quizzes! 🤓
#### Which of these is another phrase meaning "What I'm saying is true"?
- [ ] Cats really do bark
- [x] Cross my heart and point to God
- [ ] My dog can fly
- [ ] Stay hungry, stay foolish
> **Explanation:** "Cross my heart and point to God" is a solemn way, often used by children, to affirm the truth of one’s words.
#### Which statement is equivalent to "Scout’s honor"?
- [ ] I can fly like a bird
- [ ] Unicorns are real
- [x] Pinky promise
- [ ] My nose is yellow
> **Explanation:** "Pinky promise" is a childhood variation akin to "Scout’s honor" that signifies a sincere promise.
#### True or False: "Honest to goodness" means you are hungry.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Honest to goodness" means that what someone is saying is the truth, similar to "Cross my heart and hope to die."
#### Which phrase means the same as "Cross my heart and hope to die"?
- [ ] Honesty is a lonely word
- [x] Honest to goodness
- [ ] Elephant in the room
- [ ] Fly on the wall
> **Explanation:** "Honest to goodness" is another way to assert the truthfulness of one’s statement.
#### Select the true idiom:
- [ ] Swearing by my coat
- [x] Cross my heart and hope to die
- [ ] King of the castle
- [ ] Writing with jelly
> **Explanation:** "Cross my heart and hope to die" is a genuine idiom used to assure truthfulness.
Inspirational Thought:
“In a world full of lies and pretense, let your words be vows of truth, pure as promises on the lips of a child.”
