idioms using “heart”

Dear to one’s heart

Very important to one (emotionally)

“Katsumata-san will be upset that the project has been cancelled; it was dear to her heart.”

One’s heart is in the right place

One is kind and considerate, even if lacking other important qualities

“Ito-san’s heart is in the right place, but we can’t hire her because she has no office skills.”

Set one’s heart on something

To be very determined to achieve something

“Sakurai-san has her heart set on studying medicine in England.”

One’s heart isn’t in something

To be unenthusiastic about something

“Okada-san is still the best graphic designer in the company, but her heart isn’t in it anymore.”

Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve

To allow one’s feelings to show easily

“We’ll know if Kinuta-san’s job interview was successful when he returns; he wears his heart on his sleeve.”