laugh in (one's) sleeve

laugh in (one's) sleeve

To rejoice or be amused secretly and contemptuously, as at another's mistakes or misfortunes. Though feigning sympathy, my colleagues are all laughing in their sleeves at me for being stood up at the altar by my fiancée. I know it's mean-spirited, but I can't help but laugh in my sleeve when I see someone slip on the icy streets.
See also: laugh, sleeve
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

laugh

up/in (one's) sleeve
To rejoice or exult in secret, as at another's error or defeat.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • under the thumb of (someone)
  • under thumb
  • under (one's) thumb
  • under somebody's thumb
  • under someone’s thumb
  • under someone's thumb
  • carry the can
  • one's deepest sympathy
  • sympathy
  • (one's) deepest sympathy