by heart

Idioms  

1. Also, by rote. From memory; also, mechanically. For example, Betty had trouble learning the song by heart, but her teacher insisted on it, or Japanese schools put heavy emphasis on learning by rote. These terms are often put as. The first term was already used by Chaucer (in Troilus and Cressida). The variant, also dating from the 1300s, often implies mere memorization without deeper understanding. Both phrases remain in use, although this form of learning is no longer so widespread as it once was. Also see commit to memory.

---

Example Sentences

I used to know the secret menu by heart before they started putting it on the actual menu.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

"We should never, ever justify racial abuse. Vinicius has had enough of that unjustified behaviour from people. I know Mourinho by heart would agree with me but he expressed himself a bit unfortunately, I believe."

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

His voice was stronger than ever as he boomed out lyrics everyone knew by heart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

The drug, called TY1, represents an early example of a new group of treatments aimed at restoring tissue harmed by heart attacks, inflammatory disorders or other medical conditions.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025

On one of the Fridays, Little Britches said she’d learned a poem by heart and wanted to give it as her party piece for Elocution.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck