breast pocket
Definition
- Noun:
- A pocket on the inside of a man's suit jacket or coat: A "breast pocket" is a small pocket sewn into the inner lining of a jacket, typically on the left side over the chest area. It is designed for holding lightweight, flat items.
Usage
- The "breast pocket" is a feature of formal and semi-formal tailored clothing, such as suit jackets, blazers, and overcoats.
- It is primarily intended for items like a pocket square, a pen, glasses, or a ticket, not for bulky objects that would ruin the jacket's silhouette.
Examples
- Noun:
- He kept his fountain pen in his breast pocket.
- For the wedding, he chose a silk handkerchief to fold into his suit's breast pocket.
- She slipped the concert tickets into the breast pocket of his overcoat for safekeeping.
Advanced Usage
- "To have something in one's breast pocket": This idiom can figuratively mean to have something secured or guaranteed, though it is less common.
- He acted like he had the promotion in his breast pocket.
Variants and Related Words
- Pocket (n): A small bag-like attachment forming part of a garment.
- Inside pocket / Inner pocket (n): A general term for any pocket on the inside of a garment, which includes the breast pocket.
- Ticket pocket (n): A smaller pocket, often found above the right hip pocket on some suit jackets, historically for train tickets.
Synonyms
- Inner chest pocket: A more descriptive synonym.
- Jacket pocket: A broader term that can refer to any pocket on a jacket.
Related Idioms
- To wear one's heart on one's sleeve: This idiom is conceptually related to the chest area but means to openly show one's feelings. It is not directly about the pocket but shares the anatomical reference.
- He's not secretive; he wears his heart on his sleeve.
Noun
-
a pocket inside of a man's coat
