la main sur le cœur
French
Etymology
Putting one's hand on one's heart when talking is seen as a gesture of sincerity.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /la mɛ̃ syʁ lə kœʁ/
Adverb
la main sur le cœur
- in all sincerity, open-heartedly, wearing one's heart on one's sleeve
- mentir la main sur le cœur ― to lie brazenly, shamelessly
Usage notes
- Not to be confused with avoir le cœur sur la main.
- Generally carries a negative connotation; used when someone is duplicitous enough to lie while giving the appearance of telling the truth and only the truth; compare "to lie under oath".
See also
- parler à cœur ouvert