Cross my heart (and hope to die) In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "cross my heart (and hope to die)", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Tommy Tran calendar 2021-01-03 11:01

Meaning of Cross my heart (and hope to die)

Synonyms:

my word is my bond

Cross my heart (and hope to die) kids spoken language informal verb phrase

Usually used by children, or by parents to children

Added to a statement or a promise to show that you are being honest in what you said.

It was George who left the door unlocked, cross my heart and hope to die!

A: "Did you cheat on the exam?" B: "No, I didn't. Cross my heart."

Used to say that you'll do what you promise

I won't tell anyone your secrets. I promise, cross my heart.

Other phrases about:

fairly and squarely
straightforwardly
take a rain check
To decline an invitation or suggestion now and promise to do so at a more convenient time.
deliver on (something)

To do what you promised to do or what people expect you to do

above board
Used to describe something that is done in an honest, legitimate and open way.
Fine words butter no parsnips

Promises do not guarantee that something will happen.

Grammar and Usage of Cross my heart (and hope to die)

Verb Forms

  • crosses my heart and hope to die
  • crossed my heart hope to die

The verb "cross" should be conjugated to its tense.

Origin of Cross my heart (and hope to die)

Sign of the cross. (Image Source: PrayTellBlog)

The phrase most likely originated based upon the familiar Catholic sign of the cross. It is commonly accompanied by hand gestures such as crossing one's hands over one's breast and then pointing the right hand skyward. Today most often used by children. It is first recorded in Fashions and Follies of Washington Life, a play by Henry Clay Preuss:

"– Capt. S. Attended strictly to everything I told you?
 – Tom. Yes indeed, Massy—cross my heart!"

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TODAY
one hand washes the other (and both wash the face)

Used to indicate that helping each other or working together toward the same goal will have advantages for everyone who is involved

Example:

The relationship between fashion and film is that one hand washes the other and both wash the face.

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