Sleeve Meaning
Sleeve Definition & Usage
A part of a garment that covers the arm, extending from the shoulder to the wrist, or sometimes shorter.
Examples
- "She rolled up her sleeves before starting to work on the project."
- "His shirt sleeves were too long, so he had to tuck them in."
- "The designer chose a delicate silk fabric for the sleeves of the gown."
- "The old jacket had frayed sleeves but still felt comfortable."
- "I accidentally spilled coffee on my sleeve during the meeting."
A metaphorical term used to describe something hidden or secretive, often associated with something that is 'up the sleeve' or 'in one's sleeve'.
Examples
- "She had a few tricks up her sleeve for the presentation."
- "He played his cards close to his sleeve during negotiations."
- "The politician promised transparency, but he had a hidden agenda up his sleeve."
- "The magician pulled a rabbit out of his sleeve."
- "It turns out, he had a backup plan up his sleeve all along."
Cultural Context
The word 'sleeve' has been used for centuries to refer to the part of a garment covering the arm. In addition to its literal meaning, the phrase 'a trick up your sleeve' has become a commonly used metaphor in English, originating from the idea of magicians hiding tricks up their sleeves.
The Secret Sleeve
Story
The Secret Sleeve
Lena was always known for her immaculate appearance, from her perfectly pressed suits to the elegant sleeves of her blouse, which never seemed out of place. But today, as she walked into the boardroom for a high-stakes meeting, there was a subtle change in her demeanor. She had an idea, a plan that could turn the negotiations in her favor, and it was hidden up her sleeve. Her sleeve, rolled up just enough to show her watch, was a small detail in her otherwise professional attire, but for her, it symbolized the subtlety with which she approached challenges. As the meeting began, Lena kept her cards close to her chest, listening carefully as her colleagues presented their proposals. When it was her turn, she leaned forward, her sleeve brushing the table, a gesture that felt almost deliberate. With confidence, she unveiled her plan, a strategic partnership that no one had seen coming. Her idea was so precise, so perfectly timed, it felt like she had pulled it from thin air—like a magician pulling a rabbit out of his sleeve. The room was silent for a moment, each person trying to process the brilliance of her suggestion. Lena smiled, but only slightly. She knew she had just made her move, and it was the kind of move that changed everything. When the meeting ended, her colleagues were still whispering about the clever twist she had introduced. That evening, Lena returned to her office, and as she unbuttoned her jacket, she rolled her sleeves down, satisfied. It wasn't just the strategy that had won the day—it was her ability to keep things hidden, to wait for the right moment to reveal her sleeve's secret.
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