← Back to collection
Region: General | Usage example: You can tell he is honest because he wears his heart on his sleeve.

Heart on your sleeve

Meaning

Show your emotions openly.

Usage

Compliments or criticizes emotional transparency.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Knights wore their lady’s colors on their sleeves during tournaments.

Appears in Shakespeare’s Othello and other early English texts.

Related Idioms

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Display emotions openly.

Put your money where your mouth is

Support words with action or investment.

Ace up your sleeve

A secret advantage saved for a decisive moment.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.