harden one's heart

(redirected from harden heart)

harden (one's) heart

To stop or cause one to stop feeling kindness and compassion. I worry that all the trauma she's already been through at such a young age will harden her heart.
See also: harden, heart
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

harden one's heart

Feel no sympathy for, as in We can't afford to give them more; we'll just have to harden our hearts when they ask . [Late 1300s]
See also: harden, heart
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive ?
I also know that there might be a way of going into apparently "no-go" areas without cameras or the mayoral chain or police and that that might help to heal the situation rather than to harden hearts.
New Mayor could go bravely forward
What either side gained in the contest for world opinion remains to be seen, and this latest conflict is likely to harden hearts and minds on both sides.
Hollow victories; Fighting ends, but peace no closer in Gaza
His constant saber-rattling and invocation of international sanctions will only serve to harden hearts and create further mistrust.
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