If you say that someone or something pulls or tugs at your heartstrings, you mean that they cause you to feel strong emotions, usually sadness or pity. She knows exactly how to tug at readers' heartstrings.

Can you pull a heart string?

COMMON If someone or something tugs at the heartstrings or tugs at your heartstrings, they cause you to feel pity or sadness. Miss Cookson knows exactly how to tug at readers' heartstrings. Note: You can use verbs such as pull and pluck instead of tug. Unlike many charity campaigns, it doesn't pull at the heartstrings.

What does tugging at my heartstrings mean?

Definition of tug/pull at one's heartstrings

: to stir one's emotions That movie really tugs/pulls at your heartstrings.