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3. not have the heart

not have the heart

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not have the heart (to do something)

also not have the heart (for something)

to lack the desire or strength to do something I didn't have the heart to tell him his injury would prevent him from playing football.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form have the heart to do something (be able to do something): How could we have the heart to disappoint Mom?

Related vocabulary: not have the stomach (for something)

See also: have, heart, not