# laugh in one's sleeve

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/laugh-in-ones-sleeve
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to laugh in secret or to oneself, usually gloatingly

## Examples

- He laughed in his sleeve when his rival made a mistake.
- While the boss complained about the budget, the manager laughed in his sleeve because he knew the project was already finished.
- Observing the arrogant politician struggle with his own contradictory policy, the journalist could only laugh in his sleeve at the irony of the situation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.