get to the heart of sth

Definition & Meaning of "[get] to the (heart|bottom) of {sth}"

to get to the heart of sth

PHRASE

to discover or determine the underlying cause of something, particularly an issue

bottom

get to the heart of

to [get] to the (heart|bottom) of {sth} definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "get to the heart of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "get to the heart of something" originated from the idea of metaphorically digging or probing to reach the central or foundational aspects of a matter. The "heart" refers to the core or essence, while the "bottom" represents the underlying or fundamental truth. This idiom likely emerged from the notion of physically excavating or investigating to expose hidden or essential elements. It is commonly employed in problem-solving discussions, investigative settings, or analytical conversations where a thorough understanding is sought.

Example

Our investigative team is determined to get to the heart of the corruption scandal and expose the key players involved.

The sharp-witted journalist asks insightful questions that get to the heart of the matter.

The journalist conducted in-depth interviews to get to the bottom of the story and reveal the truth behind the controversial event.

She spent hours analyzing the data to get to the bottom of the issue and identify the root cause of the problem.

By studying historical documents and conducting extensive research, the historian aimed to get to the heart of the mystery surrounding the ancient artifact.