pierce someone's heart

pierce (one's) heart

To impact one on a deep, emotionally meaningful level; to stir a strong emotion in one, especially sadness, pity, etc. When the lights came on, the room was silent, and you could tell the documentary had pierced everyone's heart. It pierced my heart seeing my father's new one-bedroom apartment, with its bare walls and random assortment of appliances and utensils.See also: heart, pierce

pierce someone's heart

affect someone keenly or deeply.See also: heart, pierce