play on someone's heartstrings

play on someone's heartstrings (third-person singular simple present plays on someone's heartstrings, present participle playing on someone's heartstrings, simple past and past participle played on someone's heartstrings)

1. (idiomatic) To produce a strong emotional effect on someone.
   • 1986, “Heartstrings”, performed by Berlin:

     I love you more each day
     I love the music you play on my heartstrings
     I feel you in every way
     Reach for touch, you play on my heartstrings
     

   • 2015, K Webster, Becoming Her Series:

     “Why can't you just tell me? You're my only friend.”
     My words play on her heartstrings like I hoped they would, because her features soften.