from the bottom of one’s heart
An idiom that springs forth when words aren’t enough: “from the bottom of one’s heart” communicates the ultimate sincerity, arising from the deepest well of one’s emotions. Tracing its roots to Virgil’s Aeneid and echoed in the Book of Common Prayer (1545), it’s become a heartfelt staple in our expressions since the mid-19th century.
Definition
- From the bottom of one’s heart: Fervently, sincerely, without reservation.
Related Terms & Similar Expressions
- Heartfelt: Expressing genuine and profound emotions.
- With all my heart and soul: Putting all of one’s emotional investment into what is said or done.
- Wholeheartedly: With complete sincerity and commitment.
Quotes and Proverbs
- “Kindness comes from the bottom of the heart.” - Anonymous
- “A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” - C.S. Lewis
Literature, Books, and Movies Suggestion
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Books:
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This spiritual classic speaks to following one’s own truth and intuition.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A poignant reminder of the depths and sometimes the pains of sincerity.
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Movies:
- Jerry Maguire. Famous for the line “You complete me,” this movie explores sincerity in love and business.
- Forrest Gump. Through thick and thin, sincerity and a purity of heart drive the plot and inspire viewers.
Humor-Filled Departing Proverbs
- “A sincere heart confuses a deceitful tongue, much like finding a cat among a pack of dogs.” 🐱🐶
Quizzes That Delve into the Depth of Emotive Expressions
### How would you best describe an action done from the bottom of one’s heart?
- [x] Sincerely and with deep emotion
- [ ] As quickly as possible
- [ ] Out of pure obligation
- [ ] Absentmindedly
> **Explanation:** An action done from the bottom of one’s heart is carried out with genuine sincerity and deep emotion.
### Which of the phrases conveys a deep level of commitment?
- [x] With all my heart and soul
- [ ] More than a little bit
- [ ] Light as a feather
- [ ] Just playing around
> **Explanation:** "With all my heart and soul" signifies a deep and honest commitment, indicative of great sincerity.
### True or False: "Heartfelt" and "from the bottom of my heart" mean essentially the same thing.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, both expressions communicate a high level of genuine emotion and sincerity.
### Complete the phrase: A true friend knows the song in your heart and can...
- [x] Sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.
- [ ] Teach you a new song entirely.
- [ ] Lip-sync convincingly.
- [ ] Hum a random tune.
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "A true friend knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words," expressing sincere emotional understanding.
### Which idiom is synonymous with "from the bottom of one’s heart"?
- [ ] Half in half out
- [x] Wholeheartedly
- [ ] Sitting on the fence
- [ ] Turning a blind eye
> **Explanation:** "Wholeheartedly" means with full sincerity and commitment, similar to "from the bottom of one’s heart".
Inspirational Farewell
Go forth and express yourselves sincerely. Remember, the most profound messages often come straight from the heart. 🌟
— S. E. Soulwords, October 2023
