Wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning
To openly display one's emotions and feelings for everyone to see.
Origin
The phrase originates from the romantic rituals of medieval jousting tournaments. When a knight competed, he would often dedicate his performance to a lady whose affections he sought. To publicly declare his devotion, he would literally fasten a token of her favor—a ribbon, a scarf, or a flower—to his sleeve. This visible emblem served as a clear sign of his attachment and the emotions he harbored, leaving his romantic intentions on open display for all to witness, just as we display our emotions today.
Examples
- She tends to wear her heart on her sleeve, so you always know exactly how she's feeling.
- It's hard for him to hide his disappointment; he truly wears his heart on his sleeve during competitive games.