What does “Wear your heart on your sleeve” mean?

"Wear your heart on your sleeve" means to openly show or express your emotions or feelings.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

He's not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and always speaks his mind.

Example

She's a very emotional person and tends to wear her heart on her sleeve.

Example

I admire his ability to wear his heart on his sleeve and be vulnerable with others

Is “Wear your heart on your sleeve” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Wear your heart on your sleeve” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Wear your heart on your sleeve” effectively in context?

You can use "Wear your heart on your sleeve" to describe someone who openly shows or expresses their emotions or feelings. It emphasizes transparency and vulnerability. For example, if a friend is very open about their feelings, you might say, 'He's not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and always speaks his mind.'

1Romantic Relationships
She's a very emotional person and tends to wear her heart on her sleeve.
She's a very emotional person and tends to wear her heart on her sleeve.
2Admiration
I admire his ability to wear his heart on his sleeve and be vulnerable with others.
I admire his ability to wear his heart on his sleeve and be vulnerable with others.
3Honesty
In our friendship, we always wear our hearts on our sleeves and share our true feelings.
In our friendship, we always wear our hearts on our sleeves and share our true feelings.

Similar phrases to “Wear your heart on your sleeve”:

Let it all out

To express one's emotions freely and openly

Example

After a tough day, she needed to let it all out and talk about her feelings.

Wear emotions on one's face

To visibly show one's emotions through facial expressions

Example

He couldn't hide his disappointment; he wore his emotions on his face.

Hold nothing back

To express oneself without reservation or inhibition

Example

In her performance, she held nothing back and poured her heart into every song.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Wear your heart on your sleeve” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Wear your heart on your sleeve" is unknown.

Is “Wear your heart on your sleeve” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Wear your heart on your sleeve" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is open and honest about their emotions.

What tone does “Wear your heart on your sleeve” have?

"Wear your heart on your sleeve" conveys a tone of vulnerability and authenticity. It's often used to praise someone for their emotional openness or to express admiration for their ability to express their true feelings.

Can “Wear your heart on your sleeve” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Wear your heart on your sleeve" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a personal characteristic. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve and express her true emotions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "wear your heart on your sleeve"!' to encourage someone to be open and honest.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be transparent with your feelings
express emotions openly
show vulnerability
be emotionally honest
wear your emotions on your sleeve

Antonyms

keep emotions hidden
put up a facade
bottle up emotions
guard your heart
hide true feelings