change of heart

American

noun

a reversal of one's feelings, intentions, opinions, etc..

At first Mother said we couldn't go, but she had a change of heart and let us.

change of heart Idioms

Altered feelings or attitude, as in Paul didn't like his new job, but a raise prompted a change of heart and he became quite enthusiastic. [Early 1800s]

Etymology

Origin of change of heart

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a better world, perhaps he’d have had a change of heart and repented of his increasingly intolerant tirades.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Her sudden change of heart came just one day after she sold her Encino, Calif., home, which had been on the market for nearly two years before it finally found a buyer.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

The decision raises the risk that Iran’s leaders might have a change of heart regarding their nuclear program as well, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Only three of them will now remain in Australia, after another member of the group had a change of heart earlier in the week.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

In case Gale has a change of heart.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023