English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Wear heart on sleeve
Meaning
"Wear heart on sleeve" is an idiom that means to show one's true feelings openly and without any hesitation. The phrase implies that the person wearing their heart on their sleeve is being vulnerable and honest about their emotions, making it easy for others to read them.
Usage
- Sarah wears her heart on her sleeve, always expressing how she feels about a situation.
- John's straightforward approach of wearing his heart on his sleeve has landed him in several conflicts at work.
- My friend always puts her emotions on display, making it hard for me to be honest with her.
- Wearing your heart on your sleeve can be both empowering and vulnerable, depending on the context.
- The new manager's transparency about his feelings has created a more open and accepting work environment.
Roots and History
The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" dates back to medieval times when people believed that one's true character was reflected in their clothing. A person who wore their heart on their sleeve was seen as sincere and honest, while those who kept their feelings hidden were perceived as insincere or dishonest. Over time, the phrase evolved to mean what it means today - to show one's true feelings openly. The figurative meaning of the idiom became more popular in contemporary language during the 20th century.
Synonyms in English
- Wear emotions on sleeve
- Show true colors
- Make feelings known
- Bare heart
- Reveal true self
Synonyms in other languages
- Esperar que el sentimiento quede en la ropa (Spanish) - To hope that the emotion stays on the clothes
- 出席心态 (Chinese) - To have a sincere and honest attitude at events
- שלום כבית המחזקה (Hebrew) - A place where one can be vulnerable and open about their feelings
- Vulnerare animi (Latin) - To expose one's soul
- 穿心衣 (Japanese) - To wear a heart-shaped garment that exposes one's true emotions