wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning
To openly show your feelings rather than hiding them; to be emotionally transparent.
Origin
Often linked to medieval jousting/tournaments: a knight might wear a lady’s token on his sleeve to show devotion publicly. The phrase was popularized by Shakespeare’s Othello (1604): “wear my heart upon my sleeve.”
Notes
Suggests emotional openness; can be positive (honest, sincere) or cautionary (too transparent, easily hurt/read). Common in everyday speech.
Examples
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I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, so everyone can tell when I'm upset.
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He wears his heart on his sleeve at work, which makes feedback hit him hard.
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If you wear your heart on your sleeve, dating can feel like an emotional roller coaster.
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She wore her heart on her sleeve during the interview and spoke honestly about her failures.
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You don't have to wear your heart on your sleeve to be sincere; it's okay to keep some feelings private.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually “wears/wore/wearing your/his/her heart on your/his/her sleeve.” Often used with “tends to” or “always.” Article is typically absent (not *a heart*).
Synonyms
- be an open book
- be transparent
- be emotionally open
- show your emotions
Antonyms
- keep a stiff upper lip
- keep your feelings to yourself
- hide your feelings
- put on a brave face