0320 Wears heart on sleeve

Explanation

Describes someone who does not hide their emotions; their feelings are obvious and easily seen by others.
They are emotionally transparent and expressive.

Origin

Often traced back to Shakespeare's play Othello (Act 1, Scene 1). The villain Iago says, But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve / For daws to peck at, meaning he would *never* be so vulnerable as to expose his true feelings.
The phrase became an idiom meaning the opposite: someone who *does* openly display their emotions.
Another possible origin relates to medieval jousting tournaments where a knight might wear a lady's token (like a ribbon or handkerchief) on his sleeve, openly declaring his affection or allegiance.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Lets it all hang out (Can refer to emotions or being generally uninhibited)
Keeps it real (Implies authenticity, which often includes showing emotions)

Vulgar/Emphatic: (Less common to describe this trait this way, usually focuses on *specific* emotional outbursts)

Could describe someone as having no filter when expressing emotions strongly.

Milder:

Sensitive
Candid
Forthright (About opinions, can overlap with expressing feelings)
Genuine

Situational Appropriateness

Appropriate in most informal and semi-formal contexts.
Generally seen as a neutral or sometimes positive trait (implying honesty), but can occasionally imply vulnerability or lack of emotional control depending on context.
Less likely to be used in very formal business evaluations unless discussing interpersonal styles carefully.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Non-native speakers might be confused by the literal image of a heart on clothing. The connection to emotions needs to be explained.

Examples

You always know how Sarah is feeling; she really wears her heart on her sleeve.
He tried to hide his disappointment, but he wears his heart on his sleeve, and it was obvious.
Being someone who wears their heart on their sleeve can be tough sometimes.

Dialogue

Anna: I felt so bad for Tom when he didn't get the promotion. He looked crushed.

Ben: Yeah, he really wears his heart on his sleeve. He can't hide disappointment.

Anna: I know. It makes him seem very genuine, though.

Response Patterns

Agreement: Yes, she really does., It's true, you always know where you stand with her.
Observation: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Relating: I'm like that too sometimes., I wish I could be more like that.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After describing someone this way:

Discussing the pros and cons of being emotionally open.
Sharing an example of when the person's emotions were obvious.
Comparing that person to others who are more reserved.

Conversation Starter

No.
Used mid-conversation to describe a person's character trait.

Intonation

Said matter-of-factly or sometimes with slight admiration or sympathy.
Stress usually on wears, heart, and sleeve. She WEARS her HEART on her SLEEVE.

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across all generations.

Regional Variations

Common idiom in all major English-speaking regions.

Clock-watcher

🎲 Chip on shoulder

[0320] Wears heart on sleeve