Wear your heart on your sleeve
/weə jɔː hɑːt ɒn jɔː sliːv/informalUK · US
What does “Wear your heart on your sleeve” mean?
Wear your heart on your sleeve means to let other people see your feelings openly
Someone who wears their heart on their sleeve may look delighted when a friend arrives or visibly upset when plans change. They do not hide their reaction well.
The phrase concerns openness, not kindness. A generous person might keep their feelings private.
When do people say it?
Use it about someone whose emotions are easy to notice. It can sound admiring or suggest that they make themselves vulnerable.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve, so everyone knew I was disappointed.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The heart stands for feelings. Wearing it on a sleeve puts those feelings where other people can easily see them.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Wear your heart on your sleeve” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-10-01