His heart pounded in his chest.

Meaning: His heart was beating very fast and hard because he was excited and nervous about the race.

Choice of Words: The word "heart" refers to the organ that pumps blood throughout the body. "Pounded" means to beat or throb with force. "Chest" is the front part of the body between the neck and the abdomen. When combined, these words convey the sensation of a person's heart beating rapidly and forcefully in their chest.

Alternative Expressions

His heart was racing in his chest.

Meaning: This means the same as the first sentence. His heart was beating very fast, like when you are running or playing a sport. It's like saying, His heart was going really fast inside his body.

Choice of Words: Heart is the organ in your body that pumps blood. Racing means to go very fast. Chest is the part of your body where your heart is located. When you put them together, "His heart was racing in his chest" means that his heart was beating very fast.

His heart was beating like a drum in his chest.

Meaning: This means that his heart was beating very fast and loudly, like the sound of a drum. It's like saying, His heart was making a loud thumping sound inside his body.

Choice of Words: Heart is the organ in your body that pumps blood. Beating means to make a rhythmic sound. Drum is a musical instrument that makes a loud, thumping sound. Chest is the part of your body where your heart is located. When you put them together, "His heart was beating like a drum in his chest" means that his heart was beating very fast and loudly.

Related Expressions