kill the heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kill the heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe an action that destroys the emotional core or essence of something, often in a dramatic or poetic context. Example: "The betrayal was so deep that it felt like they had come to kill the heart of their friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's certainly true that the four Democratic senators — Baucus of Montana, Begich of Alaska, Heitkamp of North Dakota, and Pryor of Arkansas — who voted with forty-one Republicans to kill the heart of the bill, the closing of the gun-show and online loopholes, did not show conspicuous, or any, bravery.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Musaylimah was killed, the heart of the riddah opposition was destroyed, and the strength of the Medinan government was established.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tiny blood cells called platelets stick to the ruptured plaque, and the sticky, activated platelets rapidly form a clot that completely blocks the artery, killing the heart muscle cells that rely on that particular artery for their oxygen-rich blood.

Harvard University

"But you won't get more money by killing the heart and soul of the Premier League and of football in England.

BBC

Adultery is an act of suicide that kills the heart of honor and poisons everything it breathes upon.

Huffington Post

Just as the BCS title game itself kills the heart of the argument about the "great traditions" of bowl games, the date of the title game also proves that the BCS and the NCAA are willing to interfere with the academic calendars of some schools.

Huffington Post

Killing the heart worm while keeping the dog alive requires a delicate balance and it is not easily managed.

WikiHow

"Jerusalem is perhaps the most powerful proof that rather than try to create an artificial reality that will explode in our face, we have to make this very painful mistake which kills the hearts of every Jew, and help create two capitals in two parts of Jerusalem: the Arab side — the capital of the Palestinian state — and the Jewish side," he said.

Princeton University

The question makes me want to holler            All flesh is dust It makes me say such status symbols Are trivial as sewers' thimbles            And just as hard For they can form a callous shell Against the little pricking needle Of other people's need, and kill            The feeling heart.

The New York Times

City leaders need to step in before parking podiums kill the beating heart of modern Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Times

"If they were successful, it basically helps kill the grassroots heart of the party.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kill the heart" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'heart' represents to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is strongest when the heart symbolizes the core value, emotion, or driving force of something.

Common error

Avoid using "kill the heart" when describing a literal medical event. The phrase is highly figurative and sounds melodramatic when applied to actual cardiac arrest. Use precise medical terminology instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kill the heart" functions primarily as a metaphorical expression. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English to describe an action that destroys the emotional core or essence of something. It's often found in dramatic or poetic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kill the heart" is a grammatically sound and metaphorically rich expression used to convey the destruction of something's core essence or emotional center. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the phrase is relatively rare in occurrence. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, Encyclopedias, Academia and Wiki. When using "kill the heart", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'heart' represents to maximize its impact and avoid literal misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destroy the core

This alternative emphasizes the act of ruining the most essential part of something.

crush the spirit

This alternative shifts the focus to the emotional or motivational aspect being destroyed.

eliminate the essence

This alternative highlights the removal of the fundamental quality or nature of something.

eradicate the soul

This phrase underscores the complete wiping out of the vital element.

extinguish the flame

This alternative evokes a sense of ending something that was once vibrant and alive.

devastate the foundation

Focuses on the destruction of the base or support system.

demolish the center

Highlights the act of destroying the central point or hub.

undermine the principle

Implies weakening or destroying the basic idea or belief.

nullify the meaning

Focuses on rendering something pointless or without significance.

disable the function

This alternative focuses on impairing the capability of something to operate.

FAQs

How can I use "kill the heart" in a sentence?

You can use "kill the heart" to describe destroying the most important or emotional part of something. For example, "The new regulations threatened to kill the heart of the community's artistic spirit."

What does it mean to "kill the heart" of something?

To "kill the heart" means to destroy the most vital, essential, or emotional aspect of something. It implies a deep and fundamental loss.

What can I say instead of "kill the heart"?

You can use alternatives like "destroy the core", "crush the spirit", or "eliminate the essence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "kill the heart"?

The phrase is most appropriate in creative writing, metaphorical discussions, or when emphasizing a significant loss. It's less suitable for formal or technical writing where precision is paramount.