at heart

1. In one's deepest feelings, as a great concern, as in The governor has the party's best interests at heart . [Early 1700s]

2. Fundamentally, basically, as in He's a good fellow at heart . It was first recorded in Alexander Pope's Epistle to a Lady (1735): “But every Woman is at heart a Rake.”

Example Sentences

John Prescott remained a Labour loyalist at heart.

From BBC

This latest video has provoked outrage, prompting Burkina Faso's military general staff to insist it has the nation's best interests at heart.

From BBC

Working class at heart, middle class in income.

From Los Angeles Times

But I am at heart a policy nerd.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think that she totally has the interest of the American people at heart, and I don’t believe he does at all,” Dempsey said.

From Los Angeles Times