Sad to the core
Meaning
Feeling utterly and profoundly sad, to the deepest part of one's being.
Origin
Imagine the dense heart of an apple, or the burning center of the Earth. That's the powerful image invoked by 'core'—the innermost, most fundamental part of anything. English speakers, reaching for a way to describe an emotion that isn't just on the surface but has burrowed deep, adopted this physical metaphor. When you're sad to the core, it means the sorrow isn't fleeting; it's permeated your entire being, residing in your very essence. It's a feeling that resonates from the deepest chambers of your heart, leaving no part untouched by its profound, heavy weight.
Examples
- After hearing the tragic news, she was sad to the core and couldn't stop her tears.
- The defeat left the entire team sad to the core, wondering where they went wrong.