idioms

barking dogs seldom bite (people who threaten others hardly ever take action) Don’t take John seriously. Everybody knows that barking dogs seldom bite.     – English Vocabulary

back the wrong horse (support a person or action that is not successful) I don’t want to back the wrong horse, but I think Jimmy is a better candidate. When you back the wrong horse, you indeed support the losing side in something.   – English Vocabulary

have a soft spot in your heart for (feel that you like someone or something very much) Ethan has a soft spot in his heart for Emily. He has a soft spot in his heart for action movies.    – English Vocabulary  

have a heart (be kind, be reasonable) Don’t make me do it again! Have a heart! Have a heart, John, and lend me some money until tomorrow.     – English Vocabulary

halfhearted (without effort, interest, or enthusiasm) He made a halfhearted attempt to write his paper, which is why the teacher gave him a D. He took the garbage out for collection in a half-hearted way this time.     – English Vocabulary