sleeve

Everyday

1. A sleeve is the part of a shirt, coat or jumper that covers your arm. tree →
2. A sleeve is also a cover or case for something flat, like a record, a laptop or a card. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life you roll up your sleeves to wash or work; in stories «to have something up your sleeve» means to have a secret plan or trick. Phrases: «long sleeves», «short sleeves», «roll up your sleeves», «up your sleeve», «wear your heart on your sleeve».

Examples

• My jumper has long sleeves. tree →
• Roll up your sleeves before you paint. tree →
• He wiped his nose on his sleeve! tree →
• It's hot, so wear a T-shirt with short sleeves. tree →
• Put the photo back in its plastic sleeve. tree →
• The magician hid a card up his sleeve. tree →
• She always has a clever idea up her sleeve. tree →
• “He was in his shirt sleeves trembling with cold.” tree →

Note

Countable. Adjective: sleeveless (with no sleeves). «Roll up your sleeves» can also mean get ready to work hard. «Wear your heart on your sleeve» = show your feelings openly. Coughing into your sleeve (elbow) stops germs spreading.