not have the heart

not have the heart

To not have the emotional resolve (to do something); to be unable to do something, especially that which is or seems callous or unsympathetic. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I didn't love her anymore. How could you fire someone the day after their father died? I wouldn't have the heart.

See also: have, heart, not

not have the heart to do something

Fig. to be too compassionate to do something. I just don't have the heart to tell him the bad news.

See also: have, heart, not

not have the heart to

Be unable to bring oneself to say or do something, as in He didn't have the heart to tell her the cat had died. [Mid-1600s] Also see have a heart.

See also: have, heart, not

not have the ˈheart (to do something)

not be able or willing to do something which could hurt somebody else: I didn’t have the heart to take the money from him — it was all he had.

See also: have, heart, not