heartstrings

American  

[hahrt-stringz] / ˈhɑrtˌstrɪŋz /

plural noun

1. the deepest feelings; the strongest affections.

   to tug at one's heartstrings.

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heartstrings British  

/ ˈhɑːtˌstrɪŋz /

plural noun

1. facetious deep emotions or feelings

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Etymology

Origin of heartstrings

First recorded in 1475–85; heart + strings ( def. )

Example Sentences

It’s a little silly and corny, yes, but manages to vary the tempo and can even tug at one’s heartstrings by showing the bond between siblings.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan” strikes the right balance of sincerity in the hands of Jasmine Warga, though there’s still plenty of material to tug at the heartstrings.

From The Wall Street Journal

People want to see stories that flagrantly, confidently tug at their heartstrings — ambitious romances that make the everyday into something cinematic, without trying to dress up the ordinary aspects of life in prestige, Oscar-bait clothing.

From Salon

America, on the other hand, isn’t trying to pull any heartstrings.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sometimes, it’s easier to say “no” to a request than to resist someone pulling at your heartstrings to acquiesce to their wishes.

From MarketWatch