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.

serrer le cœur, toucher la corde sensible

to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy in someone

:
The story of the lost puppy really tugged at my heartstrings.
L'histoire du chiot perdu m'a vraiment serré le cœur.
Her sad eyes always tug at his heartstrings.
Ses yeux tristes lui serrent toujours le cœur.