Select the most appropriate meaning of the given Idiom. Close to one’s heart
Dear and important to oneself
Let's analyze the meaning of the idiom "Close to one's heart". Idioms are phrases where the meaning is not obvious from the individual words.
Understanding the Idiom Close to One's Heart
The idiom "Close to one's heart" is used to describe something or someone that is very important, precious, or significant to a person. It refers to things that a person cares deeply about and holds in high regard emotionally.
Analyzing the Options for Idiom Meaning
We need to find the option that best matches the idiomatic meaning of "Close to one's heart".
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Option 1: One who is being followed
This option suggests physical tracking or pursuit. It has no connection to emotional importance or value, which is what the idiom implies.
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Option 2: One who treats heart problems
This option interprets the word "heart" literally, referring to the medical organ. Idioms use words figuratively, so this literal interpretation is incorrect for finding the idiomatic meaning.
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Option 3: One who is very emotional
This option describes a person's general emotional state. While someone who keeps things close to their heart might be emotional, the idiom describes the *object* or *person* that is valued, not the *person* who values it. The idiom is about what is important *to* someone, not how emotional that person is.
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Option 4: Dear and important to oneself
This option perfectly captures the essence of the idiom. "Dear" implies cherished or loved, and "important" signifies high value or significance. Something or someone that is "dear and important to oneself" is something a person cares deeply about and holds close emotionally.
Meaning of Close to One's Heart
Based on the analysis, the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Close to one's heart" is something or someone that is dear and important to oneself.
For example:
- "Her grandmother's ring was very close to her heart." (Meaning the ring was very dear and important to her because it belonged to her grandmother.)
- "Working for environmental protection is a cause close to my heart." (Meaning environmental protection is a cause I care deeply about and find very important.)
Summary of Idiom Meaning Options
| Option | Meaning | Correctness for Idiom |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | One who is being followed | Incorrect |
| 2 | One who treats heart problems | Incorrect (Literal interpretation) |
| 3 | One who is very emotional | Incorrect (Describes the person, not what is valued) |
| 4 | Dear and important to oneself | Correct |
Therefore, the correct meaning of the idiom "Close to one's heart" is "Dear and important to oneself".
Revision Table: Key Idioms
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Close to one's heart | Dear and important to oneself | That old photograph is very close to my heart. |
| Break a leg | Good luck | Before his performance, the director told him, "Break a leg!" |
| Bite the bullet | Face a difficult situation | I had to bite the bullet and tell my boss I made a mistake. |
| Hit the nail on the head | Say something exactly right | When he said the main problem was communication, he hit the nail on the head. |
Additional Information on English Idioms
Idioms are a fascinating part of the English language. They add color and expressiveness to communication. Understanding idioms is crucial for comprehending native speakers and improving fluency.
- Idioms often have historical or cultural origins that explain their figurative meaning.
- They are a type of figurative language, distinct from literal language.
- Learning idioms requires memorizing their specific meanings as the words alone are often misleading.
- Context is key when trying to understand an unfamiliar idiom.
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