heart balm
"Heart balm" originally referred to legal remedies for emotional suffering, often in cases of broken engagements, but now also describes anything that soothes emotional pain.
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Definition
B2Emotional Support
(idiomatic)Something that provides comfort or relief from emotional distress.
Example
- Listening to music was her heart balm during tough times.
- A warm hug can be a heart balm for someone feeling down.
C1Legal
(formal, historical)Compensation awarded for emotional suffering, particularly in cases of broken engagements or similar personal grievances.
Example
- In the past, heart balm laws allowed individuals to sue for damages after a broken engagement.
- She sought heart balm after the breach of promise to marry.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "heart balm":
basil balmbee balmlove heartheart to heartbless someone's heartdear heart