Be still my heart

Be Still My Heart Meaning

The phrase “be still my heart” is used by a person during conversation or speech to express that they are very overwhelmed by something that is has been said or done, typically in response to a romantic gesture. It is saying that the action is literally making their heart beat fast. In modern times, it is typically said sarcastically in response to an action that the speaker thinks is boring or not interesting.

Origin of this idioms

The beginning of this phrase can be tracked back to the year 1697 when it was first used by author John Dryden. Back then the phrase used was “my beating heart.” This phrase was used frequently over the course of many years by poets and novelist alike in romantic stories and poetry. In 1705, the entire phrase “be still, my beating heart” was used by author William Mountfort. It was first used as a sarcastic and funny expression by playwrights Gilbert and Sullivan in 1878. Gradually over the years the phrase has been reduced to “be still my heart.”

“Be Still My Heart” Examples

Examples in Statements

A news caster narrating a televised high speed chase on the freeway.

• “Oh, be still my heart, he just crashed into the middle barrier!”

A sports caster commentating an exciting football game.

• “Be still my heart! I can’t believe he just kicked that field goal from 65 yards out and won the game!”

Examples in Conversation

An example conversation between a husband and wife.

• Husband: Do you remember what day it is today?
• Wife: How could I forget?! It’s our 20th wedding anniversary!
• Husband: It certainly is and here are these 20 roses just for you, one for every year we have been married.
• Wife: Oh! Be still my heart! You are so sweet!

An example conversation between a son and his mom.

• Son: I wanted to ask Gretchen to the prom, but I don’t know how to do it.
• Mother: Well, I am sure you will think of a memorable way to ask her.
• Son: Well, I was thinking about taking her to the beach and having one of the airplanes tow a sign that says “Gretchen, will you go to prom with me?”
• Mother: Be still my beating heart! That is so romantic! She would love that!

Other Ways to Say “Be Still My Heart”

There are many other ways to say “be still my heart.” Some of them include: oh my gosh, oh my goodness, I’m so excited, my heart just skipped a beat.

“Be Still My Heart” synonyms list:

• Oh my gosh
• My god
• Oh dear
• OMG
• Oh my goodness
• Oh my
• I’m so excited
• Oh Jesus
• My heart just skipped a beat