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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

heart of stone en · NOUN

Pronunciation

Etymology

From Ezekiel 36:26 of the King James Bible.

Meanings

  1. (figuratively) A hardhearted character, stern or cruel nature.
    • It would take a heart of stone, or an opposition supporter, not to feel some measure of sympathy for a player whose career has come to a standstill at club level and does not seem able to catch a break when he does make a rare appearance. 2023 September 12, Phil McNulty, “Scotland 1-3 England: 'Complete package' Jude Bellingham puts concluding flourish on world-class performance”, in BBC Sport:
    • She's got a heart of stone.
    • You've got a heart of glass or a heart of stone / Just you wait 'til I get you home 1986, “West End Girls”, in Please, performed by Pet Shop Boys:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
hearts of stone Number=Plur lexicographic

Antonyms

heart of gold

Relateds

stonehearted · heart of glass

Translations (5)

udm из сюлем (stonehearted character) · fr cœur de pierre (stonehearted character) · pl serce z kamienia (stonehearted character) · pt coração duro (stonehearted character) · fi kivisydän (stonehearted character)