Final answer:
The phrase "they broke my heart" is a metaphor used to describe intense emotional pain or sadness in a vivid and relatable way.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "they broke my heart" is an example of figurative language, specifically a metaphor. When someone says their heart is broken, they are not referring to the physical breaking of the organ within their chest. Instead, this metaphor expresses the feeling of intense emotional pain or sadness, often due to disappointment or loss, such as the end of a relationship or a significant letdown. This expression utilizes figurative language to communicate complex emotions in a vivid and relatable way.