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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Compare promises of honesty, accidental misunderstandings, betrayal, and goals that work against one another.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Cross my heart” is an informal promise that what you say is true. “Double-cross” means betray someone’s trust, while “get your wires crossed” means misunderstand one another, usually by accident. If people are “at cross purposes,” their goals or plans conflict. A “cross to bear” is a long-term problem or burden.
Cultural note: “Cross my heart and hope to die” is a childish-sounding oath; it does not make a claim more reliable. “Double-cross” accuses someone of betrayal, so use it only when you mean deliberate disloyalty. The article discusses religious symbols and histories; the lesson focuses on current idiom use and does not treat one tradition as universal.
Keep exploringCross-related phrases can mark a promise, a simple mix-up, competing goals, or a serious breach of trust.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Recognize an informal phrase that emphasizes a promise.
Meaning
An informal way to insist that what you are saying is true.
Tone & use
Often sounds childlike or playful. It is a promise, not evidence that the statement is true.
Example
““I really did send the form yesterday—cross my heart,” he said, then showed the confirmation email.”
Separate accidental misunderstanding from deliberate betrayal.
Meaning
Betray someone who trusted you, often by acting against an agreement.
Tone & use
Strongly negative and implies deliberate betrayal; do not use for an ordinary mistake.
Example
“The partners accused the broker of double-crossing them after he secretly changed the terms.”
Meaning
Misunderstand one another or mix up information, often unintentionally.
Tone & use
A gentle way to acknowledge a communication mix-up without assigning blame.
Example
“We got our wires crossed about the pickup time, so I waited at the wrong entrance.”
Describe misaligned plans or a persistent difficulty.
Meaning
Working toward different or incompatible goals without realizing it or coordinating.
Tone & use
Often used in work or planning contexts; state the conflicting goals clearly.
Example
“The design and sales teams were at cross purposes because each had a different launch date.”
Meaning
A persistent difficulty or responsibility that causes trouble or worry.
Tone & use
Can sound dramatic and may have religious associations; use a plain phrase such as “ongoing burden” when appropriate.
Example
“Caring for the aging building became an ongoing burden for the volunteer group.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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