bless someone's heart

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Used to express gratitude. (Compare bless you, God bless you.)

2. 2

   Used to express affection.

   • Bless his innocent heart, he looks too sweet for anything in his little short dresses, with his dear feet sticking out.
3. 3

   Used to soften criticism or express pity. (Compare the British usage of bless (expression…

   Used to soften criticism or express pity. (Compare the British usage of bless (expression of endearment or belittlement).)

   • My dog can't fit in her puppy bed anymore, but she still tries, bless her heart.
   • They're having a hard time getting used to the food down here. They don't like grits — bless their hearts, they don't even like sweet tea.
   • We just moved my dad to a senior community, and I need to make sure he changed his gas service over to his new address. Bless his heart—he doesn't remember things the way he used to!
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      Used sarcastically to express contempt.

The neighborhood

• synonymbless
• synonymGod love someone