sleeves from one’s vest: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘sleeves from one's vest’ mean?
The idiom "sleeves from one's vest" means revealing one's true intentions, usually in a manipulative or deceitful manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "trick up one's sleeve" means to have a hidden plan or strategy that can be used to gain an advantage or surprise others.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "take the veil" means to become a nun and commit to a life of religious seclusion.
The idiom "take out an onion" means to reveal or disclose information that is hidden or secret. It implies the act of peeling away layers, just as one peels an onion to unveil its layers. The idiom is often used in contexts where someone uncovers the truth or exposes hidden motives.
The idiom "take one's hook" means to leave or depart, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. It conveys the idea of someone quietly removing themselves from a situation or place.
The idiom "strip off" means to remove clothing or other outer layers or coverings.
The idiom "straight from the shoulder" means to be direct, honest, and straightforward in one's manner of speaking or acting without any hesitation or evasiveness.
The idiom "stick the knife in" means to purposely say or do something to harm or betray someone, usually when they are already in a vulnerable or difficult situation.
The idiom "stick one's neck out" means to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position by expressing an opinion or taking action that goes against the norm or common consensus.
Origins Unveiled
The idiom "sleeves from one's vest" is an expression that is used to describe someone who is secretive, unwilling to reveal their true thoughts or intentions. The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged sometime in the late 19th century.
One theory suggests that the idiom "sleeves from one's vest" may have originated from the world of card playing. In some card games, players may hide cards in their vest or jacket sleeves in order to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents. This practice of hiding cards up one's sleeves is considered deceptive and dishonest. Over time, the idiom may have evolved to encompass a broader sense of secrecy and guardedness.
Another theory suggests that the origins of this idiom may be more literal, related to the practice of removing one's vest sleeves. In the 19th century, men commonly wore vests with detachable sleeves. Removing the sleeves could symbolize a shedding of one's outer layers, revealing a more vulnerable or hidden self. It is possible that this physical act became associated with a metaphorical sense of secrecy or concealment.
While the precise origins of the idiom "sleeves from one's vest" remain uncertain, it is clear that the expression is rooted in the idea of hidden intentions or concealed information. This idiom indicates a person who is unwilling to be forthcoming, preferring to keep their thoughts and motives veiled. The idiom is often used in contexts where someone is being evasive or ambiguous in their speech or actions.
When people use the idiom "sleeves from one's vest" to describe someone, they are suggesting that the person is keeping something hidden, much like a card player hiding cards up their sleeves. This implies that the person may have a secret plan or strategy, indicating a level of cunning or cleverness. Similar to having a "trick up one's sleeve," this idiom implies that the person is prepared to surprise or outwit others with their hidden knowledge or abilities.
On the other hand, if someone is said to have an "ace up their sleeve," it means they have a hidden advantage or resource that they can use at the right moment. This idiom originates from the practice of cheating in card games, where a player may secretly hold an ace card up their sleeve to use it strategically. In a broader sense, having an "ace up one's sleeve" implies that someone has a hidden asset or skill that they will use to their advantage when the time is right.
Additionally, the idiom "show one's cards" is related to the concept of revealing one's true intentions or motives. In card games, players must eventually show their cards to the others, exposing their hand and strategy. In a figurative sense, "showing one's cards" means being transparent and honest about one's thoughts or plans. It implies that someone is willing to be open and straightforward, without any hidden agendas or secrets.
Overall, the idiom "sleeves from one's vest" is a vivid metaphor that captures the idea of hidden intentions and secrecy. Whether it originated from the world of card playing or the literal act of removing vest sleeves, this idiom continues to be used to describe individuals who are unwilling to reveal their true thoughts or motives. When someone has a "trick up their sleeve" or an "ace up their sleeve," it suggests an additional layer of cunning or advantage. On the other hand, "showing one's cards" indicates a willingness to be transparent and honest. These related idioms add depth to the concept of hidden intentions and reveal different aspects of human behavior when it comes to revealing or concealing information.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "sleeves from one's vest" can be used in a sentence:
1. He always keeps his true intentions hidden, never revealing his sleeves from his vest.
2. She played her cards close to her chest, never showing her sleeves from her vest.
3. The politician carefully concealed his true motives, unwilling to expose his sleeves from his vest.
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