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find it in oneself

C1 neutral transitive
In simple words

To realize you have enough courage or kindness inside you to do something hard.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic neutral

To discover within oneself the emotional strength, generosity, or will to do something one finds very difficult.

"After everything he did, I couldn't find it in myself to stay angry at him."

2 C1 idiomatic formal

Used as an appeal (often 'find it in your heart') asking someone to show mercy, generosity, or compassion.

"Could you find it in your heart to give the child another chance?"

Usage notes

A fixed idiomatic expression. Almost always used in a conditional or negative context: 'I can't find it in myself to forgive him' or 'Could you find it in your heart to help?' The variant 'find it in one's heart' adds a layer of emotional warmth or appeal.

Commonly used with

forgive apologize help forgiveness heart courage

Forms

Base
find it in oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
finds it in oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
found it in oneself
yesterday
Past participle
found it in oneself
have + pp
-ing form
finding it in oneself
continuous

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