feel for: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘feel for’ mean?
The idiom "feel for" means to empathize or show sympathy towards someone's situation or feelings.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stand in someone's shoes" means to try to understand someone else's perspective or experiences by imagining yourself in their position.
The idiom "in someone's shoes" means to imagine oneself in someone else's position or to try to understand their thoughts, feelings, or experiences from their perspective.
The idiom "hurt someone's feelings" means to cause emotional pain or upset to someone by saying or doing something that offends or upsets them.
The idiom "have a heart" means to show compassion, empathy, or understanding towards someone or to be kind and forgiving. It is often used to encourage someone to be less strict or harsh in their judgment or actions.
The idiom "for the love of" is used to express a strong desire or motivation to do something, often driven by deep affection or passion. It emphasizes the importance of personal connection or attachment to the action or object in question.
The idiom "for reasons" is commonly used to indicate that there are specific factors or justifications behind someone's actions or decisions.
The idiom "for pity's sake" is used to express exasperation or frustration. It is often used to emphasize a plea or command, urging someone to take action or show mercy.
Empathy in Action
The idiom "have a heart" is often used in conjunction with the phrase "feel for" to convey a deep sense of empathy and compassion towards someone. When we say "have a heart" in this context, we are emphasizing the importance of understanding and connecting with someone on an emotional level. It implies that we should not dismiss or ignore their pain, but instead acknowledge it and offer support.
The idiom "feel one's way" is closely related to "feel for" as well. When we "feel our way" through a situation, we are navigating it carefully and cautiously, relying on our intuition and empathy. The act of "feeling one's way" allows us to approach a situation with sensitivity and understanding, taking the time to assess the emotions and needs of those involved.
Another idiom that shares a connection with "feel for" is "stand in someone's shoes." This expression urges us to imagine ourselves in someone else's position, to try and understand their experiences and emotions. By "standing in someone's shoes," we can gain a deeper appreciation for their perspective and respond with greater empathy and compassion.
The idiom "in someone's shoes" further emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. When we say that we are "in someone's shoes," we are acknowledging that we are fully embodying their experiences and emotions. It implies a commitment to truly comprehend and relate to their situation, and to respond accordingly with empathy and support.
Lastly, the idiom "find it in one's heart" connects with "feel for" by highlighting the compassionate nature of this expression. When we "find it in our heart" to understand and empathize with someone, we are demonstrating a willingness to put aside our own preconceptions and biases. Instead, we choose to open our hearts and offer genuine support and understanding.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "feel for" can be used in a sentence:
- I really feel for my friend who just lost her job.
- He could feel for the elderly woman struggling to carry her groceries.
- The documentary made me feel for the children living in poverty.
More "Empathy" idioms
