Cross my heart and hope to die Meaning in English

expression

US

KRAWSS mye HART and HOHP tuh DIE

UK

kro-OSS mye HAHRT and HOHP too DIE

Definition

A phrase used to show you are telling the complete truth or making a serious promise. Often said by children but used by adults playfully.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, mostly spoken. Common with children, but can sound playful with adults. Often used before a promise, sometimes with a finger cross gesture. Not used in formal, written contexts.

• Spanish: te lo juro - te lo prometo (literal: cruzo el corazón y espero morir)
• Portuguese (BR): eu juro de verdade - prometo de coração (literal: cruzo meu coração e espero morrer)
• Portuguese (PT): juro mesmo - prometo com todo o coração (literal: cruzo o coração e espero morrer)
• Chinese (Simplified): 我发誓（字面：我以性命担保）
• Chinese (Traditional): 我發誓（字面：我以性命擔保）
• Hindi: कसम से - मैं वादा करता हूँ (शाब्दिक: मैं कसम खाता हूँ और मरने की दुआ करता हूँ)
• Arabic: أقسم لك - أعدك (حرفيًا: أضع يدي على قلبي وأتمنى أن أموت)
• Bengali: আমি কসম খাই - গলা কেটে ফেললেও মিথ্যা বলব না
• Russian: честное слово - клянусь
• Japanese: 誓うよ - 本当に約束するよ
• Vietnamese: thề có trời chứng giám - thề thật lòng
• Korean: 진짜야 - 맹세해
• Turkish: yemin ederim - vallahi
• Urdu: قسم کھاتا ہوں - خدا کی قسم
• Indonesian: demi Tuhan - sungguh janji

Example Sentences

I promise, I will help you, cross my heart and hope to die.

basic

Did you eat the last cookie? — Cross my heart and hope to die, I didn’t!

basic

She looked at me and said, 'cross my heart and hope to die, I won't tell anyone.'

basic

You can trust me with your secret, cross my heart and hope to die.

natural

No, seriously, I didn't see your message—cross my heart and hope to die.

natural

Cross my heart and hope to die, I’ll be there on time for your party.

natural