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.

diep raken, emoties oproepen

to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy in someone

:
The story of the lost puppy really tugged at my heartstrings.
Het verhaal van de verloren puppy raakte me diep.
Her sad eyes always tug at his heartstrings.
Haar droevige ogen raken hem altijd diep.