Somebody’s heart sinks Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact Used to emphasize strong feelings of disappointment or discouragement. Her heart sank as the storm destroyed her new garden. Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Change Reflects an immediate drop in emotion or spirit, often unexpected. His heart sank when he realized he left his tickets at home. Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal It's a metaphorical expression; the heart doesn't actually move downward. Her heart sank, not with illness, but from the weight of her worries.