How to Pronounce "play on your heartstrings"
expression
PLAY on yor HART-stringz
PLAY on yaw HAHRT-stringz
Definition
To create strong emotions or make someone feel deep sympathy or sadness, especially by using stories or images.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈhɑːtstɹɪŋz
British English
plˈeɪ/ /ˈɒn/ /jˈɔː/ /hˈɑːtstɹɪŋz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PLAY on yor HART-stringz
UK
PLAY on yaw HAHRT-stringz
Listen in Context
That sad commercial really plays on your heartstrings.
The movie played on my heartstrings with its story about lost pets.
Nonprofit groups sometimes play on your heartstrings to get donations.
That video of the puppy rescue totally played on my heartstrings.