What does 'To wear your heart on your sleeve' mean?

Top definition. wearing your heart on your sleeveunknown · People who wear their heart on their sleeve express their emotions freely and openly, for all to see. Your just wearing your heart on your sleeve. #shy#quiet#loud#open#wears her heart on her sleeve#wears his heart on his sleeve. by m_mia_13 April 27, 2006. read more

Wearing your heart on your sleeve means that you are exposing or displaying your true nature. Common usage often associates it with love. However, the phrase appears in Iago's second long speech in the opening scene of Othello. read more

This phrase may derive from the custom at middle ages jousting matches. Knights are said to have worn the colours of the lady they were supporting, in cloths or ribbons tied to their arms. read more

Origin of Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve This phrase comes from an old custom where a woman ties her favor to a man’s sleeve. The man wearing this favor on his sleeve was a signal of their love for each other. read more