Idioms are expressions that don’t always mean what they say on the surface. Instead, they use words in a special way to give a deeper or different meaning. One part of the body often used in idioms is the sleeve. Sleeves show up in a number of sayings that carry unique ideas about tricks, surprises, and hidden plans.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common idioms related to sleeves. You’ll learn their meanings, how they are used, and examples to help you understand them better. Idioms like “wearing your heart on your sleeve” and “have something up your sleeve” are just a few examples. By the end, you will see how these expressions add flavor to everyday conversations. Let’s get started!
Idioms About Sleeves
1. Have something up your sleeve
Meaning: To have a secret plan or idea that you are keeping hidden.
Example Sentence:
- Sarah always has something up her sleeve when it comes to surprising her friends.
- Don’t worry, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for the party.
Other ways to say:
- Keep a secret in mind.
- Hide something for later.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that a person could hide something in their sleeve, like a hidden card or surprise.
Usage: Use this idiom when someone has a surprise plan or idea.
2. Wear your heart on your sleeve
Meaning: To openly show your emotions, especially love or sadness.
Example Sentence:
- He wears his heart on his sleeve, so you can always tell when he’s happy or sad.
- Maria isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve when talking about her dreams.
Other ways to say:
- Be open with your feelings.
- Show your emotions openly.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from knights in the past who would wear a lady’s favor (like a ribbon) on their sleeve to show affection.
Usage: Use this when talking about someone who easily shows their feelings.
3. A sleeve of cards
Meaning: To have a hidden advantage or trick up your sleeve.
Example Sentence:
- You always seem to have a sleeve of cards when playing games.
- I’m not sure how he won, but I think he had a sleeve of cards.
Other ways to say:
- Hidden tricks.
- Secret advantage.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the idea of hiding cards in your sleeve while playing poker.
Usage: Used when someone has a secret advantage or is hiding something.
4. Pull something out of your sleeve
Meaning: To suddenly come up with a surprising idea or solution.
Example Sentence:
- The teacher pulled a fun activity out of her sleeve to end the day.
- Whenever there’s a problem, Tim always pulls something out of his sleeve to fix it.
Other ways to say:
- Surprise us with something new.
- Come up with a clever solution.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to magicians who pull objects out of their sleeves to surprise their audience.
Usage: Used when someone surprises others with a new idea.
5. In your sleeve
Meaning: To have something secretly planned.
Example Sentence:
- He must have something in his sleeve because he didn’t tell anyone about the surprise party.
- She had a plan in her sleeve for when the weather got worse.
Other ways to say:
- Secretly planned.
- Hidden idea.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom plays off the idea of hiding something in your sleeve.
Usage: Used when referring to a secret or hidden plan.
6. Put your sleeves up
Meaning: To prepare to work hard or tackle a difficult task.
Example Sentence:
- It’s time to put your sleeves up and start working on the project.
- After hearing the challenge, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
Other ways to say:
- Get ready to work hard.
- Prepare for hard work.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the action of rolling up your sleeves when you want to get ready to do something physically demanding.
Usage: Used when preparing to do hard work or a tough task.
7. Keep your sleeves down
Meaning: To stay calm and not show your plans or emotions.
Example Sentence:
- Stay calm, keep your sleeves down, and let’s figure out a solution.
- She kept her sleeves down and didn’t let anyone see how worried she was.
Other ways to say:
- Keep quiet.
- Stay calm and collected.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests hiding your plans, like keeping your sleeves down to hide anything secret.
Usage: Used when someone should remain calm or not show their plans.
8. Up to your sleeves
Meaning: To be deeply involved in something or working hard.
Example Sentence:
- She’s up to her sleeves in homework and can’t hang out today.
- He’s up to his sleeves in fixing the car.
Other ways to say:
- Fully involved.
- Deep into something.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to being so busy that you are metaphorically covered up to your sleeves in work.
Usage: Used when someone is busy with a task.
9. Sleeves rolled up
Meaning: To be ready to work hard or take action.
Example Sentence:
- He came to the meeting with sleeves rolled up, ready to help.
- Let’s get our sleeves rolled up and finish this project!
Other ways to say:
- Ready to work.
- Getting ready for action.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the physical act of rolling up your sleeves when you are about to do hard work.
Usage: Used when preparing to work or take action.
10. A short sleeve
Meaning: To do something with little effort or in a simple way.
Example Sentence:
- She completed the task in a short sleeve, without needing help.
- This homework is easy; I can finish it in a short sleeve.
Other ways to say:
- A quick job.
- A simple task.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom may come from the idea that short sleeves are easy to roll up and don’t require much preparation.
Usage: Used when describing something simple or quick to do.
11. A long sleeve
Meaning: To do something with extra effort or in a detailed way.
Example Sentence:
- He did the research with a long sleeve, making sure everything was perfect.
- She tackled the project with a long sleeve, paying attention to every detail.
Other ways to say:
- Put in extra effort.
- A thorough job.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom contrasts with a “short sleeve,” meaning a long sleeve requires more work or preparation.
Usage: Used when describing something that needs extra effort or careful attention.
12. Sleeves and cuffs
Meaning: A part of a task that’s left for later or is difficult.
Example Sentence:
- He still has the sleeves and cuffs of the project to finish.
- We need to wrap up the sleeves and cuffs before presenting the work.
Other ways to say:
- The finishing touches.
- The final details.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom may come from the extra time spent on small parts of a job, like the sleeves and cuffs on a shirt.
Usage: Used when referring to the last details of a task.
13. All sleeves off
Meaning: To not hold back or to do something without worrying about consequences.
Example Sentence:
- When he started the new project, he went all sleeves off and didn’t worry about the risks.
- She decided to go all sleeves off and tell the truth.
Other ways to say:
- Go all in.
- Don’t hold back.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is similar to going all out, suggesting that someone is ready to take on a challenge without hesitation.
Usage: Used when someone is ready to go full force into something.
14. Under your sleeve
Meaning: To keep something hidden or secret.
Example Sentence:
- She had a few surprises under her sleeve for her birthday party.
- Don’t give away your secret plan—keep it under your sleeve.
Other ways to say:
- Keep it a secret.
- Have a hidden plan.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom plays off the idea of hiding something in your sleeve to keep it secret.
Usage: Used when referring to keeping something hidden from others.
15. Throw up your sleeve
Meaning: To give up or surrender.
Example Sentence:
- After hours of trying to fix the issue, I just threw up my sleeve and asked for help.
- She threw up her sleeve when the task became too hard to finish.
Other ways to say:
- Throw in the towel.
- Surrender.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is similar to other expressions like “throw in the towel,” meaning to give up after trying.
Usage: Used when someone decides to quit or give up.
16. Have a sleeve full
Meaning: To have plenty of things to do or many ideas ready.
Example Sentence:
- He’s got a sleeve full of ideas for the upcoming project.
- We have a sleeve full of plans for the summer.
Other ways to say:
- Have plenty to do.
- Have lots of ideas.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests that someone has a lot of options or things they are working on.
Usage: Used when someone has a lot of ideas or tasks lined up.
17. Sleeves to the wind
Meaning: To take a chance or act without fear.
Example Sentence:
- She went sleeves to the wind and started her own business.
- He sailed sleeves to the wind, taking on new challenges without looking back.
Other ways to say:
- Take a risk.
- Go for it.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests being open to risks, like letting the wind catch your sleeves as you move forward.
Usage: Used when someone is taking a bold risk.
18. Sleeve over
Meaning: To quickly move past something or cover up an issue.
Example Sentence:
- He tried to sleeve over the problem during the meeting.
- Instead of fixing the issue, they just sleeve it over and moved on.
Other ways to say:
- Cover up.
- Sweep under the rug.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is based on the idea of quickly covering something with your sleeve.
Usage: Used when someone tries to ignore or hide a problem.
19. Roll your sleeves up
Meaning: To prepare for hard work.
Example Sentence:
- We need to roll our sleeves up if we want to finish this by tomorrow.
- It’s time to roll our sleeves up and get this task done!
Other ways to say:
- Get ready to work.
- Start working hard.
Fun Fact/Origin: Rolling up your sleeves is a sign that you’re preparing for a physical or mental challenge.
Usage: Used when preparing to do a difficult task.
20. Under your sleeve
Meaning: To hide something for later.
Example Sentence:
- He kept a secret under his sleeve for the perfect moment.
- She’s been planning the surprise under her sleeve for weeks.
Other ways to say:
- Keep it hidden.
- Keep it a secret.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to hiding something in your sleeve for when you need it.
Usage: Used when someone has a secret or hidden plan.
21. Sleeve of luck
Meaning: To be fortunate or lucky.
Example Sentence:
- She must have had a sleeve of luck when she won the contest.
- It was pure sleeve of luck that I found my missing wallet.
Other ways to say:
- Lucky break.
- Good fortune.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests that luck might be hidden in your sleeve, waiting to help you out.
Usage: Used when someone gets lucky or has good fortune.
22. Sleeves of the future
Meaning: To plan or think ahead.
Example Sentence:
- He always thinks about the sleeves of the future before making decisions.
- We need to work on the sleeves of the future to stay ahead of the competition.
Other ways to say:
- Think ahead.
- Plan for the future.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests that planning for the future is like having sleeves that hold your plans for tomorrow.
Usage: Used when referring to thinking about or planning for the future.
23. Out of your sleeve
Meaning: To reveal or show something.
Example Sentence:
- He pulled the solution out of his sleeve at the last minute.
- She pulled a surprise out of her sleeve at the party.
Other ways to say:
- Reveal your plan.
- Show something unexpected.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to pulling something out of your sleeve to reveal it to others.
Usage: Used when something is revealed or shown unexpectedly.
24. Tighten your sleeves
Meaning: To focus or tighten up your effort.
Example Sentence:
- Let’s tighten our sleeves and finish the job today.
- We need to tighten our sleeves if we want to meet the deadline.
Other ways to say:
- Focus more.
- Work harder.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests tightening the sleeves when more effort is needed to finish a task.
Usage: Used when someone needs to focus harder or work more.
25. A sleeve of change
Meaning: A sudden or unexpected change.
Example Sentence:
- The company went through a sleeve of change after the new manager arrived.
- There was a sleeve of change in the weather during the afternoon.
Other ways to say:
- Sudden change.
- Unexpected shift.
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to unexpected changes, much like pulling something unexpected out of your sleeve.
Usage: Used when something changes suddenly.
Quiz: Idioms About Sleeves
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “Have something up your sleeve” mean?
A) To hide a secret idea or plan
B) To give someone a gift
C) To tell the truth about something
2. If someone “wears their heart on their sleeve,” what are they doing?
A) Showing their feelings openly
B) Hiding their emotions
C) Avoiding eye contact
3. What does “pull something out of your sleeve” mean?
A) To surprise someone with an unexpected idea
B) To take a nap during work
C) To forget something important
4. When someone says they are “up to their sleeves” at work, what does that mean?
A) They are very busy with something
B) They are relaxing and not doing much
C) They are looking for a break
5. What does “put your sleeves up” mean?
A) To get ready to work hard
B) To take a nap
C) To talk to someone about a problem
6. If someone says, “He kept his sleeves down,” what are they doing?
A) Staying calm and not showing emotions
B) Asking for help
C) Showing off their work
7. If you “throw up your sleeve,” what are you doing?
A) Giving up or surrendering
B) Starting a new project
C) Running from a problem
8. What does it mean when someone says they are “sleeves to the wind”?
A) They are taking a chance or risk
B) They are ignoring their work
C) They are waiting for someone else to make a decision
9. If you “roll your sleeves up,” what should you be ready to do?
A) Work hard
B) Take a long break
C) Have a celebration
10. If something is “under your sleeve,” what does that mean?
A) You are keeping it a secret
B) You are excited to share it with others
C) You are talking about it openly
Answers Key
- A) To hide a secret idea or plan
- A) Showing their feelings openly
- A) To surprise someone with an unexpected idea
- A) They are very busy with something
- A) To get ready to work hard
- A) Staying calm and not showing emotions
- A) Giving up or surrendering
- A) They are taking a chance or risk
- A) Work hard
- A) You are keeping it a secret
Wrapping Up
Idioms about sleeves can add fun and meaning to everyday conversations. They help us express ideas in a more creative way. Whether you’re talking about keeping a secret or being ready to work, these phrases can make your speech more colorful.
Now that you’ve learned some common idioms about sleeves, you can start using them! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to understand and use these idioms with ease. Keep an eye out for them in books, movies, and conversations.
