From the bottom of one’s heart is an idiom. We will examine the meaning of the idiomatic phrase from the bottom of one’s heart, where it came from, and some examples of its use in sentences.
From the bottom of one’s heart means that something is being said sincerely, that one’s intentions are genuine, that one is feeling strong emotions. The idiom from the bottom of one’s heart was first used in the 1500s, but it is linked to the Greek idea that the brain pumped blood throughout the body and the heart was the seat of feeling and thinking. The imagery is of the most profound, deep-seated feelings residing at the deepest part of the heart.
Examples
Hall also had been charged with a second slaying, and from the Texas death chamber gurney said he apologized “from the bottom of [his] heart” to the families of both of his victims “for the pain and suffering [he] caused.” (The Los Angeles Times)
Finally, Pope Francis thanks the people of Thailand “from the bottom of” his heart for all of the preparation that is going into his visit, and assures that that “in these days” praying for everyone in Thailand. (Vatican News)
“He said he apologized from the bottom of his heart and said he has given a lot of thought to why he acted out the way he did that day,” Whiting said. (Pamplin Media Group)
Check out some others we covered: