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.

mexer com as emoções, tocar o coração

to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy in someone

:
The story of the lost puppy really tugged at my heartstrings.
A história do cachorrinho perdido realmente mexeu com minhas emoções.
Her sad eyes always tug at his heartstrings.
Os olhos tristes dela sempre mexem com as emoções dele.