tug at
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unsurprisingly, the replies tug at the heartstrings: “I’m so glad Dolly saved you; she was amazing, and you are too.”
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
A major shift could tug at the West African monsoon, tropical rainfall belts and rainfall over the Amazon.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
It’s a little silly and corny, yes, but manages to vary the tempo and can even tug at one’s heartstrings by showing the bond between siblings.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2026
“The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan” strikes the right balance of sincerity in the hands of Jasmine Warga, though there’s still plenty of material to tug at the heartstrings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026
Others tug at their blouses and rattle their chairs as though the temperature of the kitchen has gone up.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
