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REFERENCE

laugh in one's sleeve

idiom
Meaning

to laugh in secret or to oneself, usually gloatingly


Examples
SIMPLE

He laughed in his sleeve when his rival made a mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

While the boss complained about the budget, the manager laughed in his sleeve because he knew the project was already finished.

COMPLEX

Observing the arrogant politician struggle with his own contradictory policy, the journalist could only laugh in his sleeve at the irony of the situation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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