la main sur le cœur
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French[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Putting one's hand on one's heart when talking is seen as a gesture of sincerity.
Pronunciation[edit]
Adverb[edit]
- 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[edit]
- 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".