I was searching for the origins of the phrase "by heart" and also "by rote" to see if and how the two related (same meaning. Note, though, that the Old English heorte is similar to rote. Didn't find entymologies for either, but turned up this interesting list of heart idioms on dictionary.com:
Idioms:
at heart
In one's deepest feelings; fundamentally.
by heart
Learned by rote; memorized word for word.
do (one's) heart good
To lift one's spirits; make one happy.
from the bottom/depths of (one's) heart
With the deepest appreciation; most sincerely.
have (one's) heart in (one's) mouth
To be extremely frightened or anxious.
have (one's) heart in the right place
To be well-intentioned.
heart and soul
Completely; entirely.
in (one's) heart of hearts
In the seat of one's truest feelings.
lose (one's) heart to
To fall in love with.
near/close to (one's) heart
Loved by or important to one.
steal (someone's) heart
To win one's affection or love.
take to heart
To take seriously and be affected or troubled by: Don't take my criticism to heart.
to (one's) heart's content
To one's entire satisfaction, without limitation.
wear (one's) heart on (one's) sleeve
To show one's feelings clearly and openly by one's behavior.
with all (one's) heart
With great willingness or pleasure.
With the deepest feeling or devotion.
with half a heart
In a half-hearted manner.
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[Middle English hert, from Old English heorte. See kerd- in Indo-European Roots.]
