dagger to my heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dagger to my heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom meaning a feeling of deep hurt or distress (humorously expressed). For example: "His decision to end the relationship was a dagger to my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's difficult not to notice the almost Kiplingesque rhythms of Mortimer's translation of "Le Vampire" ("You came like the blade of a dagger / To my heart that was humbled and sad"), whereas Baudelaire's words slink like a cat through the verses ("Toi qui, comme un coup de couteau, / Dans mon coeur plaintif es entrée").

The Guardian - Books

Not to have one last game there and a farewell to the fans is a dagger in my heart.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a dagger in my heart when the reviews panned it.

The Guardian

The phrase had felt like a dagger in my heart when I first heard it.

The New Yorker

Your dismissive remark that Singer's "morality is so 19th century" is a dagger in my heart.

The New York Times

When she died I felt as though she put a dagger in my heart and it is still there.

The Guardian

"They were well meaning, but it was kind of like a dagger in my heart," Eller said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a dagger in my heart, but in the end I told her that she was doing the right thing and that I was proud of her".

The New Yorker

Donnie Walsh, the president of the Indiana Pacers, said in 2003 that discussing the Silnas' deal "puts a dagger in my heart," reminding him of losing that one-seventh share of TV money each season.

The New York Times - Sports

"He said, 'You should have thought about that before you came out this morning.' It was like a dagger in my heart, that a police officer of my city would come up with anything like that".

The New York Times

And I've never forgotten the dagger in my heart of a show called After Shave, which I hoped would be a female Beyond the Fringe, and which turned out a complete disaster.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dagger to my heart" sparingly for emphasis, as overuse can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke strong feelings of hurt or disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "dagger to my heart" for minor inconveniences or slight disappointments. This idiom is reserved for conveying a deep sense of emotional pain, and using it inappropriately can sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dagger to my heart" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a feeling of deep emotional pain or distress. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. It is used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of hurt, similar to a physical stabbing.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dagger to my heart" is an idiom used to describe a profound feeling of emotional pain or disappointment. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its usage should be reserved for situations where a significant level of emotional distress is genuinely felt. Alternatives like "heartbreaking" or "deep disappointment" can be used for less intense scenarios. The phrase carries a neutral to slightly informal tone, making it suitable for personal expression and narrative contexts, although no real-world examples have been found.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Soul-crushing

Emphasizes the severe damage inflicted on one's spirit or morale.

Heartbreaking

Emphasizes the sadness caused by the event or news.

A painful blow

Describes the disappointment as a strike that causes suffering.

Piercing sorrow

Highlights the sharpness and intensity of the grief.

Deep disappointment

Directly states the feeling of sadness without figurative language.

Gut-wrenching

Focuses on a profound feeling of anguish and emotional distress.

Crushing blow

Focuses on the impact as a forceful setback, rather than the emotional pain.

Devastating news

Highlights the overwhelmingly negative impact of the information.

A stab in the back

Implies betrayal as a source of the emotional pain.

Bitter pill to swallow

Implies an unpleasant situation that must be accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "dagger to my heart" in a sentence?

You can use "dagger to my heart" to describe a feeling of intense emotional pain or disappointment caused by something. For instance, "When she said she was leaving, it felt like a "dagger to my heart".

What's a less dramatic way to express a similar sentiment to "dagger to my heart"?

If you want to convey a similar feeling with less intensity, you could use phrases like "deep disappointment", "heartbreaking", or "painful blow".

Is "dagger in my heart" or "dagger to my heart" more correct?

Both "dagger in my heart" and "dagger to my heart" are used and understood. However, "dagger in my heart" is more commonly found. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when someone says something is "like a "dagger to my heart""?

It means that what was said or done caused them significant emotional pain or distress. It suggests a sudden, sharp feeling of hurt, similar to being stabbed.