Heart of Hearts
Posted by Woodchuck on September 19, 2002
In Reply to: Heart of Hearts posted by Alex on September 19, 2002
: Any ideas on where this phrase comes from?
: Obviously heart means centre and so it is from the centre of my heart.
: But where did the phrase originate from?
: Any clues?
: thanks,
: Alex.
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable:
Heart of Hearts (In one's). In one's inmost conviction. The heart is often referred to as a second self. Shakespeare speaks of the "neck of the heart" (Merchant of Venice, ii. 2); "the middle of the heart" (Cymbeline, i. 7). The heart of the heart is to the same effect.
Is anyone aware of earlier sources?