wear your heart on your sleeve
/wɛər jɔːr hɑːrt ɒn jɔːr sliːv/
Meaning
This expression means to make your feelings and emotions obvious to other people rather than hiding them. It is often used to describe someone who is very open, vulnerable, and honest about how they feel, especially in romantic relationships or friendships. While it shows sincerity, it can sometimes make a person vulnerable to getting hurt.
Examples
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Sarah wears her heart on her sleeve, so you always know exactly how she is feeling.
Sarah wears her heart on her sleeve, so you always know exactly how she is feeling.
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If you wear your heart on your sleeve in this business, people might take advantage of you.
If you wear your heart on your sleeve in this business, people might take advantage of you.
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He's not the type to wear his heart on his sleeve; he keeps his emotions private.
He's not the type to wear his heart on his sleeve; he keeps his emotions private.
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I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, even if it means getting hurt sometimes.
I've always worn my heart on my sleeve, even if it means getting hurt sometimes.
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She wore her heart on her sleeve during the interview, sharing her true passion for the project.
She wore her heart on her sleeve during the interview, sharing her true passion for the project.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He wears his heart on his hand.
✓ He wears his heart on his sleeve.
The idiom strictly uses 'sleeve', not 'hand' or any other body part or clothing item.
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✗ She is wearing her heart on her sleeve about her boss.
✓ She is wearing her heart on her sleeve.
The idiom is usually used intransitively to describe a general personality trait or state, rather than being followed by 'about [someone]'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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You never have to guess what's wrong with him; he always ___.
💡 Think of showing emotions on your arm.
Show answer
wears his heart on his sleeve
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It is hard for her to hide her disappointment because she ___.
💡 She displays her feelings openly.
Show answer
wears her heart on her sleeve