Bleeding heart

Meaning

Someone excessively sympathetic or liberal.

Usage

Used critically when describing emotional responses.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

The heart bleeding imagery symbolizes deep compassion.

Used since the 19th century in political rhetoric.