not have the heart to
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Meanwhile, she said she did not have the heart to tell the family because they were "so down and so desperate".
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2022
I do not have the heart to break up with her because I feel obliged to look after her.
From Slate • Nov. 7, 2019
It's offensive to an entire audience who came of age with these women and who remain breathtakingly loyal, and out of nostalgic affection may not have the heart to turn away from them.
From Salon • May 27, 2010
So many people offered to help that Aimee Goodwin, the event’s food coordinator, had too many offers to bake goodies, but did not have the heart to turn any of them down.
From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2010
And now she was saying “shay you know” and Ifemelu did not have the heart to tell her that nobody said “shay” anymore.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
