Phrase guide

bless someone's heart

phrase · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

phrase

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

phrase

Meaning 2

Used to express affection.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

phrase

Meaning 3

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Southern-US, especially

Examples

  • 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.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

phrase

Meaning 4

Used sarcastically to express contempt.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Southern-US, especially

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A conventional shortening of a wish May God bless (your/her/his/etc) heart.