have (one's) heart in the right place
To have benevolent intentions. The phrase is used especially when one's actions have negative results. Grandmom has her heart in the right place, but I would never wear any of the clothes she sends me.
have one's heart in the right place
Fig. to have good intentions, even if there are bad results. I don't always do what is right, but my heart is in the right place. Good old Tom. His gifts are always tacky, but his heart's in the right place.
heart in the right place, have one's
Be well-intentioned, Her plan to reconcile them didn't succeed, but she had her heart in the right place. [Early 1800s]
have your heart in the right place
be sincere or well intentioned. have (one's) heart in the right place
To be well-intentioned.