heart smashing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heart smashing" is not a standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in a creative or poetic context.
You can use it to describe something that is emotionally overwhelming or deeply affecting, often in a romantic or dramatic sense. Example: "The movie was so heart smashing that I found myself in tears by the end."

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, Cheng's characters are finely spun, soulful creatures, and his writing is muscular, evocative and haunting: "The moon was a cataract eye.... His hummingbird heart smashed itself against his ribs".

The New York Times - Books

There she is living with her cats, spending all her money on decorative objects and likely to get her heart smashed in two by an east German "Romeo spy".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And on an album that's often so cynical and arch, from the messy tangle of Do You Remember the First Time? to the lost seduction game of Lipgloss, it's unashamedly simple: lovely and lonely, as Cocker sings from the perspective of a young girl who's had her heart smashed to pieces for the first time.

The Guardian - Music

Without losing a beat, in that moment of feeling, he thanked his loyal hosts who opened their homes to unknown guests - the heart of smashing success of Airbnb as a recognizable name.

Huffington Post

The bullet aimed at Bob's heart instead smashed into his upper arm.

The Guardian - Music

But he got caught in the mayhem, and as he wrestled with a national guardsman, the crystal urn containing the heart was smashed.

The New York Times

Suffice it to say he does find Pippi, as well as their daughter, and the consequences are both heartwarming and heart-smashing, not to mention extremely deleterious to Wilson's dog's health and Wilson's physical freedom.

The New York Times - Books

A confessional memoir before the genre existed (it was written in 1962, way, way before the flood of children called "It" or hearts being smashed into a million tiny pieces), it recounts, with such cool precision that you have to read it to believe it, a life of happy high spirits and great privilege, soured by romantic disappointment.

Independent

Romantically I became schizophrenic, smashing hearts on purpose or falling head over heels with a one-night stand, exhibiting neediness that disgusted me — yet I rationalized that becoming a self-loathing depressive could be filed neatly into my persona as a tortured New York artist, material for stories I would surely write someday.

The New York Times

PARIS, March 29 — The images are unnerving: hooded, swift-footed youths infiltrating protest rallies in the heart of tourist Paris, smashing shop windows, setting cars on fire, beating and robbing passers-by and throwing all sorts of objects at the riot police.

The New York Times

It's almost as it's meant to be until Rob goes from a charming man to a manipulative individual who suddenly pulls the carpet out from under Evan, smashing his heart into a million pieces.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more conventional alternatives like "heartbreaking" or "soul-crushing" for clearer communication, especially in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "heart smashing" in academic papers or professional reports. Its informal and somewhat melodramatic tone is generally unsuitable for such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heart smashing" functions as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun to indicate something that causes intense emotional pain or devastation. Ludwig AI suggests that while understandable, the phrase is not a standard or commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Books

21%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heart smashing" is an unconventional way to describe something that is emotionally overwhelming or deeply affecting. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a standard expression, and more common alternatives like "heartbreaking" or "soul-crushing" are generally preferred, particularly in formal contexts. While understandable, it's crucial to consider the audience and purpose when choosing this phrase. The analysis suggests it's more suited to creative writing or informal conversation than academic or professional settings. When in doubt, opt for the clearer and more widely accepted alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartbreaking

A more standard and widely accepted term for causing emotional pain.

soul crushing

Emphasizes a profound and devastating emotional impact.

crushing despair

Focuses on the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

shattering experience

Highlights the fragmenting effect on one's sense of self.

emotionally devastating

A more clinical and descriptive alternative.

grievously painful

Focuses on the intensity and severity of the emotional suffering.

profound grief

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the loss.

deeply affecting

Emphasizes the profound emotional influence.

agonizing sorrow

Focuses on intense and prolonged sadness.

bitter disappointment

Highlights the feeling of unmet expectations and disillusionment.

FAQs

What does "heart smashing" mean?

The phrase "heart smashing" is a non-standard expression used to describe something emotionally overwhelming or deeply affecting, often in a romantic or dramatic sense. It is similar to saying something is "heartbreaking" or "soul crushing".

How can I use "heart smashing" in a sentence?

While not a conventional phrase, you could use "heart smashing" to describe a very emotional or devastating experience. For example: "The movie was so "heart smashing" that I found myself in tears by the end." However, consider using more common alternatives like "heartbreaking" or "devastating".

What are some alternatives to "heart smashing"?

Some alternatives to "heart smashing" include "heartbreaking", "soul crushing", "devastating", or "emotionally overwhelming". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "heart smashing" grammatically correct?

While "heart smashing" isn't grammatically incorrect, it is an uncommon and less formal expression. It's generally acceptable in creative or informal writing but may be considered inappropriate in more formal contexts. Using alternatives such as "heartbreaking" or "emotionally devastating" is advisable in formal situations.