Meaning of Idiom ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ (proverb)
When we say ‘home is where the heart is’ we mean that your true home is the place where you are loved the most and where you feel the most belonging; the place you love the most; the place you long to be; the place you miss and want to go back to; the place you feel the most emotional connection to.
Sentence Examples
“It doesn’t matter where we are as long as we are together. Home is where the heart is.”
“I’ve lived here for ten years but I still miss my hometown. You know what they say, home is where the heart is.’
“They say home is where the heart is. And for most people, that consists of four walls and a welcome mat. But for me, it’s the ocean.” — Soul Surfer (2011)
“You know, it made me realize that home is where the heart is, not where the highest paycheck is.” — Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990)
“Do you live here? You pay money to live in this place?” “Home is where the heart is, right?” “Your heart is in the garbage.” — The Long Goodbye (1973)
“Home is where the heart is. And my heart is with you.” — Mississippi Masala (1992)
Origin Of Home is Where the Heart Is
Known in various forms for centuries, this old proverb is often attributed to the Roman writer, Pliny. It was listed in its modern form in Elbert Hubbard’s A Thousand and One Epigrams, from 1914. 1 and has been used since at least the 1850s.
Heart, in this expression, refers to one’s emotions or affections.
English learners often mistake this idiom for ‘heart is where the home is.‘
More ‘Home’ Idioms
References
- Ammer, Christine. The Dictionary of Cliches: a Word Lover’s Guide to 4,000 Overused Phrases and Almost-Pleasing Platitudes. Skyhorse Publishing, 2014.