BBC LEARNING ENGLISH
The English We Speak
Take something to heart
This is not a word-for-word transcript
The English We Speak
©British Broadcasting Corporation 2023
bbclearningenglish.com
Page 1 of 2
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'>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 the 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…
The English We Speak
©British Broadcasting Corporation 2023
bbclearningenglish.com
Page 2 of 2
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? 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.
