set (one's) heart on (something)

set (one's) heart on (something)

To resolutely determine to do or acquire something. When I was a little boy, I set my heart on becoming a fighter pilot. When Janie sets her heart on a new toy, she won't give us a moment's peace until we buy it for her.See also: heart, on, set

set one's heart on someone or something

Fig. to be determined to get or do someone or something. I am sorry you didn't get to pick the one you wanted. I know you had set your heart on Fred. Jane set her heart on going to London.See also: heart, on, set

set one's heart on

Also, have one's heart set on. Strongly desire something, as in I'd set my heart on a vacation in New Mexico but got sick and couldn't go, or Harry had his heart set on a new pickup truck. [Late 1300s] See also: heart, on, set

set your heart on something

COMMON If you set your heart on something, you decide that you want it very much and aim to achieve or obtain it. Note: The heart is traditionally regarded as the centre of the emotions. She'd set her heart on an acting career. She admits that when she saw the flat Jeremy had set his heart on, her first reaction was horror.See also: heart, on, set, something

set your heart (or hopes) on

have a strong desire for or to do.See also: heart, on, set

set your heart on

decide you very much want to have.See also: heart, on, set

set your ˈheart/ˈmind on something/on doing something

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have your heart/mind ˈset on something/on doing something

want something very much; want to do or achieve something very much: When she was a small girl, her heart was set on a horse of her own. ♢ He set his mind on becoming a doctor. ♢ I have my heart set on a new guitar.See also: heart, mind, on, set, something

set (one's) heart on

To be determined to do something.See also: heart, on, set