have mixed feelings / emotions about sb/sth

/hav mˈɪkst fˈiːlɪŋz ɪmˈəʊʃənz ɐbˌaʊt ˌɛsbˈiː slˈaʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

/hæv mˈɪkst fˈiːlɪŋz ɪmˈoʊʃənz ɐbˌaʊt ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

[phrase]

to have mixed feelings / emotions about sb/sth

[PHRASE]

to not be sure whether one agrees with, likes, or approves of someone or something

synonyms : [be] in two minds about {sth}

What is the origin of the idiom "have mixed feelings about someone or something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "have mixed feelings about someone or something" is rooted in the understanding that human emotions and opinions can be multifaceted and contradictory. The phrase emerged from the recognition that individuals often experience a combination of positive and negative sentiments towards someone or something, rather than having a singular, uniform response. As a reflection of the complexity of human emotions, "mixed feelings" has become a widely used expression to convey the ambivalence and internal conflict that arises when different emotions or thoughts coexist.

Examples

1. He had mixed feelings about the whole project.

2. but I have mixed feelings about him

3. I have mixed emotions about tomorrow's party with two of your exes being there.

4. I don't know, I have mixed feelings about Charlie Manson.