tug at somebody's heartstrings

US /tʌɡ æt ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈhɑːrt.strɪŋz/
UK /tʌɡ æt ˈsʌm.bə.diz ˈhɑːrt.strɪŋz/
"tug at somebody's heartstrings" picture
1.

zu Tränen rühren, das Herz berühren

to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy in someone

:
The story of the lost puppy really tugged at my heartstrings.
Die Geschichte des verlorenen Welpen rührte mich zu Tränen.
Her sad eyes always tug at his heartstrings.
Ihre traurigen Augen rühren ihn immer zu Tränen.