Is the Phrase 'They Have a Heart of Gold' Correct?

The phrase 'they have a heart of gold' can sometimes cause confusion, especially when it comes to proper usage of third-person pronouns and the nature of the heart metaphor. Understanding these nuances is crucial for clear and accurate communication.

The Meaning of 'Heart of Gold'

The expression 'heart of gold' is a metaphorical phrase that refers to an individual's generous and benevolent personality. It is not meant to describe the actual physical heart, which is a singular organ. Therefore, it is incorrect to say 'they have a heart of gold' when referring to a group of people unless the context is very specific, such as a figurative shared heart in a deeply romantic relationship.

Proper Third-Person Pronoun Usage

The correct way to refer to a group of people is to say 'they have hearts of gold.' Here, 'they' is the plural third-person pronoun, and 'hearts of gold' is a plural noun phrase that matches the plural subject.

Examples

They have hearts of gold. He has a heart of gold. Each of them has a heart of gold. All of them have hearts of gold.

When referring to individuals in a group, it's essential to use the plural form to avoid any ambiguity.

Misuse of 'They Have a Heart of Gold'

Using the singular form 'they have a heart of gold' can be grammatically incorrect and potentially misleading. For example:

Incorrect: They have a heart of gold. Correct: They have hearts of gold.

Metaphorical Usage for a Shared Heart

In cases where two people share a profound and deep emotional connection, it is metaphorically appropriate to say that they share a heart. This usage, however, refers to their combined emotional and romantic bond, not a physical heart:

When two people are deeply in love, they exist in unison. One could then say they share a heart—e.g., two hearts beating as one—referring metaphorically to love.

In this context, 'they share a heart' emphasizes their emotional connection rather than attributing a single physical heart to the group.

Generalization and Stereotyping

Using 'they' to represent a group when the individuals are unknown or not specified can lead to issues of generalization and potential stereotyping. It is generally better to use pronouns that clearly indicate the group being referred to. For example:

They have compassion. With regard to their compassion, they embody generosity.

These alternatives avoid the vagueness and the risk of misinterpretation.

Conclusion

The phrase 'they have a heart of gold' should be avoided in most contexts unless referring to a group of individuals with generous and noble hearts individually. The correct usage is 'they have hearts of gold,' which clearly conveys the intended meaning and avoids any ambiguity or potential stereotyping. When referring to the deep emotional connection between two people, use the metaphor of 'sharing a heart' to emphasize their emotional bond.