Language of the Day: Idioms with Head

Idioms often reference specific body parts, so today’s Language of the Day will explore vocabulary and idioms about the head. Read on to learn more about head-related terms we use every day.

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heads up: This is something we say at the beginning of a sentence. It’s a signal that tells the listener we are about to deliver a warning or a good piece of advice.

Just a heads up: there’s a snowstorm coming this weekend so make sure your winter tires are on!

head start: This expression means to begin something earlier than other people. It often comes with the verb ‘get’

It would be a good idea to get a head start on your Christmas shopping so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute.

head over heels: This just means very much in love. Note: we say head over heels FOR, whereas we say in love WITH.

My parents are still head over heels for each other, even now that they’re both in their 70s.

stuck in my head: When you can’t stop thinking about something. This is especially common to say about a song that you can’t stop thinking.

I’ve had that Mariah Carey Christmas song stuck in my head all month!

go over someone’s head: when a joke ‘goes over your head’ it means you didn’t understand it. Maybe you didn’t catch the reference, or maybe because of a language barrier.

My Canadian friends were joking around about something, but it went over my head completely. I had no idea what was so funny.

levelheaded: Someone who is logcial and organized, who stays calm in stressful situations.

My older brother is always so levelheaded. I know I can count on him in an emergency.