Learning English

Inspiring language learning since 1943

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Learn more about feelings and emotions

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Summary

Are you ruled by your head or your heart? If you get upset by someone’s feedback or advice, it’s probably your heart that’s in control! We teach an English phrase that describes this feeling which Rob’s about to experience. Find out more in this episode.

Transcript

Feifei
Welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei…

Rob
… and I’m Rob.

Feifei
Rob, why are you sounding so fed up?

Rob
I’ve just had a meeting about my work with my boss, and his feedback wasn’t very… good.

Feifei
Oh no – what did he say?

Rob
He said I had a very ‘relaxed’ attitude to work.

Feifei
Oh Rob, don’t take it to heart – he’s not good at giving constructive feedback.

Rob
My heart is fine thanks, Feifei. It’s just my feelings that are hurt.

Feifei
I’m sure – but I wasn’t referring to your heart literally! If someone takes something to heart, it means they react to someone’s criticism or advice personally and seriously so that they become upset by it. So, cheer up, Rob. you’re not the only one who’s been taking things to heart – listen to these examples…

Examples
Don’t take her comments to heart. I thought your performance at the show was excellent!

He was only joking about your shoes – don’t take it to heart!

Freya tends to take things to heart, so be careful how you deliver your feedback.

Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. Rob has had some negative feedback from the boss and taken it to heart – which means he’s taken advice or criticism personally and very seriously. But Rob, don’t worry, maybe the boss was trying to be kind?

Rob
But he said I had a ‘relaxed’ attitude to work – that means lazy!

Feifei
Not necessarily – maybe he meant you don’t find work stressful?

Rob
Really? Do you think so? Hmm… maybe you're right. I’m being too sensitive. I won’t take it to heart.

Feifei
That's right! Don't take things to heart.

Rob
Thanks, Feifei. Bye.

Feifei
Bye, Rob.

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