lose heart

/luːz hɑːrt/
phrasal verb★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To become discouraged or lose motivation, especially when facing difficulties or setbacks
Literal Meaning
To no longer have a physical heart
Literal Breakdown
loseto no longer have something+heartthe organ that pumps blood in the body
◇ Mental Image
The image of losing an essential organ (the heart) symbolizes losing the emotional strength or courage needed to continue.
◈ When to Use
A student who has failed multiple exams might say, 'I'm starting to lose heart and think about quitting school.'
◉ Cultural Note
The heart has long been associated with emotions and courage in English idioms, leading to phrases like 'have a heart' and 'lose heart'.
informal

To become discouraged or lose motivation, especially when facing difficulties or setbacks

After several failed attempts, she began to lose heart and consider giving up.

After several failed attempts, she began to lose motivation and consider giving up.

Don't lose heart—success often comes after many failures.

Don't become discouraged—success often comes after many failures.

💡

This idiom is commonly used to express a loss of confidence or enthusiasm in a situation.

Collocations

lose heart easilyto become discouraged quicklylose heart in the face ofto become discouraged when confronted with

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

take heartidiom
to become more confident or hopeful
have a heartidiom
to be compassionate or understanding

💡Pro Tip

Encouragement

When someone is losing heart, offer support or encouragement to help them regain motivation.

⚡Gold Rule

Contextual Use

Use 'lose heart' to describe a temporary loss of motivation, not a permanent state of despair.

📖Word Origin

The phrase 'lose heart' originates from the idea of losing courage or emotional strength, as 'heart' has long been associated with bravery and determination in English idioms.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in informal contexts to describe a temporary loss of confidence rather than a permanent state of despair.

Word Breakdown

lose
to no longer have
verb
+
heart
courage or emotional strength
noun
English Dictionary