YOUR HEAD Meaning and
Definition
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"Your head" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to refer to an individual's mind and thoughts. It figuratively represents the mental faculties and cognitive processes that shape a person's understanding, reasoning, opinions, and overall perception of the world.
In a literal sense, "your head" pertains to the physical part of the body where the brain is situated, which serves as the control center for processing information and coordinating bodily functions. However, when the term is used idiomatically, it delves into the abstract realm of intellect, emotions, and consciousness.
The phrase often appears in conversation as a means to emphasize or refer to someone's mindset, perception, or abilities within a specific context. For instance, "use your head" conveys the idea of employing one's intelligence or common sense in decision-making. Alternatively, when someone says "I can't get it out of my head," they are expressing the persistence of a thought or idea in their mind.
Additionally, "your head" can also allude to psychological states such as confusion, clarity, focus, or distraction. It denotes the space where thoughts, memories, emotions, and perceptions reside, reflecting one's mental state and experiences.
Overall, "your head" encapsulates the multifaceted aspects of human cognition, encompassing both the physical brain and the intangible dimensions of consciousness and mental processes that shape one's understanding and behavior.
Etymology of YOUR HEAD
The word "your" is derived from the Old English word "eower", and ultimately from the Proto-Germanic word "jūz" meaning "your" or "yours".
The word "head" comes from the Old English word "hēafod", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "haubudam". This word then evolved into "haupt" in Old High German and "hoved" in Old Norse before transforming into "head" in modern English.
The phrase "your head" simply combines these two words to refer to the part of the body at the top, containing the brain, eyes, ears, and mouth, which belongs to or refers to the person being addressed.
Idioms with the word YOUR HEAD
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laugh/scream/shout etc. your head off
To laugh, scream, shout, etc. very loudly and uncontrollably.
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be in over your head
To be in over your head means to be involved in a situation that is too difficult or complex for you to manage or understand. It implies being overwhelmed or out of your depth.
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use your loaf, at use your head
"Use your loaf" or "use your head" is a common idiom that means to think logically and use common sense in making decisions or solving problems. It encourages someone to be rational and sensible in their actions.
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have your head in the clouds
To have one's head in the clouds means to be unrealistic, impractical, or dreamy in one's thoughts or behavior, rather than focused on the present reality. It suggests that a person is not paying attention or is disconnected from the real world.
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put your head over/above the parapet
To "put your head over/above the parapet" means to take a risk or stand out from the crowd by making your opinions or actions known, even if it might draw criticism or attention to yourself. It often refers to speaking out or taking a leadership role in a situation, despite the potential for negative consequences.
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scream your head off, at scream yourself hoarse/silly
To scream your head off means to scream loudly or vigorously, often to the point of losing one's voice or becoming hoarse. It can also mean expressing extreme emotions or opinions very loudly and passionately.
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get your head around something
To understand or comprehend something that is difficult or unfamiliar.
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a roof over your head
A roof over your head is an idiom that means having shelter or a place to live. It refers to having a basic necessity of life, which is a safe and secure place to call home.
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bang your head against a brick wall
To repeatedly try to accomplish something that is clearly impossible or not worth the effort.
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need your head examined
If someone tells you that you "need your head examined," they are suggesting that you are acting in a crazy, irrational, or foolish manner and should seek professional help or counseling.
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could do sth standing on your head
The idiom "could do something standing on your head" is used to describe something that is extremely easy for someone to do. It suggests that the task is so simple that even if the person were in a difficult position, such as standing on their head, they would still be able to accomplish it effortlessly.
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be laughing your head off
To be uncontrollably laughing or finding something extremely funny.
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laugh, shout, scream, etc. your head off
To laugh, shout, scream, etc. your head off means to do something with a lot of enthusiasm or intensity, often to the point of being excessive or extreme.
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put your head in a noose
To put your head in a noose means to knowingly put yourself in a dangerous or risky situation that could have serious consequences. It is often used to describe someone who is making a foolish or reckless decision.
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go to your head
The idiom "go to your head" means when something, typically praise or success, makes a person feel proud, arrogant, or conceited. It suggests that someone's ego has been inflated and they are becoming overly confident or self-important.
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put your head in the lion's mouth
The idiom "put your head in the lion's mouth" means to willingly put oneself in a dangerous or risky situation. It can also refer to knowingly taking on a difficult or challenging task.
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your eyes nearly pop out of your head
The idiom "your eyes nearly pop out of your head" means to be very surprised or shocked by something, often to the point where the eyes widen and appear as though they are about to pop out of the head.
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need your head examined/examining
To suggest that someone is acting irrationally or in a way that is considered foolish or nonsensical, and may benefit from a mental health evaluation.
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need (to have) your head examined
The idiom "need (to have) your head examined" is used to suggest that someone's behavior or thinking is so strange, irrational, or illogical that they should seek professional help or psychiatric evaluation.
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above your head
The idiom "above your head" means something is too difficult or complex for someone to understand or grasp. It implies that the information or concept being discussed is beyond their level of comprehension.
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have eyes in the back of your head
To have eyes in the back of your head means to be constantly aware of everything happening around you, even things that are not immediately visible or obvious. It implies being very alert and able to anticipate or react to situations quickly.
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eyes in the back of your head
The idiom "eyes in the back of your head" is used to describe someone who seems to be aware of everything that is happening around them, even things that they shouldn't logically be able to see or know about. It suggests a high level of situational awareness and ability to predict or anticipate events.
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off your head
When someone is said to be "off their head," it means that they are behaving in a crazy or irrational manner, often due to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This idiom can also be used to describe someone who is very excited or enthusiastic about something.
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standing on your head
To perform a task with great ease or skill, as if it were as simple as standing on one's head.
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need, want, etc. your head examined
The idiom "need, want, etc. your head examined" is used to suggest that someone's behavior or thoughts are so irrational or illogical that they may require a mental health evaluation. It is often used humorously or lightheartedly to imply that someone is acting in a crazy or absurd manner.
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keep your head
To remain calm and composed in a difficult or stressful situation.
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scratch your head (over something)
To be confused or puzzled about something; to struggle to understand or figure out something.
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in over your head
The idiom "in over your head" means being involved in a situation that is too difficult or complex for you to handle effectively.
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shake your head
To shake your head means to indicate disagreement, disapproval, confusion, or disbelief by moving your head from side to side.
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Don't worry your head about it
The idiom "Don't worry your head about it" means to not get stressed or anxious about something, to not dwell on it or think about it too much. It is often used to reassure someone that a situation is not important or worth getting upset over.
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laugh your head off
To laugh uncontrollably or hysterically.
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bury your head in the sand
To ignore or refuse to acknowledge a problem or difficult situation, often out of fear or denial.
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hold your head up
To remain confident and proud in difficult or challenging situations; to maintain self-respect and dignity.
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get your head round something
To understand or come to terms with something, especially something complex or difficult.
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be banging/hitting your head against a brick wall
"Banging/hitting your head against a brick wall" is an idiom that means to continuously and futilely try to accomplish something, despite facing insurmountable obstacles or opposition. It implies a sense of frustration and hopelessness in trying to achieve a goal that is nearly impossible to reach.
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have/put your head on the block
To have/put your head on the block means to take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position where they may face criticism, consequences, or danger. It can also refer to taking responsibility for something and being willing to suffer the consequences.
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do something standing on your head
To do something extremely easily or effortlessly.
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keep a civil tongue in your head
This idiom means to speak politely and respectfully, without using offensive language or being rude.
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lose your head
To lose self-control; to become extremely angry or excited.
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hang your head
To feel ashamed or embarrassed; to show signs of defeat or sadness.
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have your head screwed on (the right way)
To have good judgment or common sense; to be thinking clearly and making rational decisions.
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put something out of your head
To stop thinking about something or to forget about it.
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put your head/neck on the block
To "put your head/neck on the block" means to take a risk or make yourself vulnerable by putting yourself in a position where you may face criticism, harm, or punishment.
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need your head testing, at need your head examined/examining
The idiom "need your head testing" or "need your head examined/examining" is used to suggest that someone is behaving in a way that is irrational, illogical, or foolish, and therefore they may benefit from a mental health evaluation or assessment. It implies that the person's thoughts or actions are so nonsensical that they could indicate a problem with their mental well-being.
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put your head on the block
To put your head on the block means to take a risk, make yourself vulnerable to criticism or failure. It can also refer to taking responsibility for a decision or action that could have negative consequences.
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go soak your head
The idiom "go soak your head" is used as a dismissive or sarcastic response to someone, suggesting that they go away or leave the speaker alone. It can also imply that the speaker thinks the person should spend some time alone to cool off or calm down.
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over your head
The idiom "over your head" means something that is too difficult or complex for someone to understand. It can also refer to something happening without someone's awareness or comprehension.
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your eyes pop out of your head
The idiom "your eyes pop out of your head" is used to describe a strong, usually surprised or shocked reaction to something. It implies the person's eyes widening or bulging as a result of astonishment or disbelief.
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put your head above the parapet
To "put your head above the parapet" means to speak out or take a stand on an issue, even if it may be risky or controversial. It often refers to showing bravery or leadership by being willing to take a stand, despite potential criticism or consequences.
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have a gun to your head
The idiom "have a gun to your head" is a phrase used to describe a high-pressure situation where someone feels forced to make a decision or take action quickly, typically due to extreme circumstances or outside pressure. It conveys a sense of urgency and imminent danger.
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be hanging over your head
If something is hanging over your head, it means that there is a looming threat, worry, or responsibility that is causing you stress or anxiety.
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put your head into the lion's mouth
The idiom "put your head into the lion's mouth" means to willingly put oneself in a dangerous or risky situation. It is often used to describe taking a bold or risky action with full awareness of the potential consequences.
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let your heart rule your head
The idiom "let your heart rule your head" means allowing your emotions and feelings to have more influence over your decision-making than rational thinking or logic.
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use your head for more than a hatrack
This idiom is used to encourage someone to think or make better use of their intelligence or abilities rather than just relying on appearances or superficial qualities. It implies that one should use their brain for thinking and problem-solving rather than simply as a place to hang a hat.
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have sth hanging over your head
To have something hanging over your head means to have a looming or impending issue, burden, responsibility, or threat that is causing worry, stress, or anxiety.
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get/take it into your head that...
To suddenly believe or decide something without reason or logic.
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keep your head above water
To manage to survive or stay out of trouble, especially when one is experiencing a difficult or stressful situation.
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pissed out of your head/mind/skull
The idiom "pissed out of your head/mind/skull" is used to describe someone who is extremely intoxicated or drunk. It implies that the person is in such a state that they are behaving erratically or nonsensically due to excessive consumption of alcohol.
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keep a cool head, at keep your head
To keep a cool head means to remain calm, composed, and level-headed in difficult or stressful situations. It is a reminder to stay focused and rational, especially when emotions are running high.
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have your head screwed on
To have your head screwed on means to be thinking clearly, making sound decisions, and having good common sense.
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be off your head
To be extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs; to be drunk or high.
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hold your head high
To act confidently and proudly, especially in the face of a difficult situation or criticism.
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have a roof over your head
The idiom "have a roof over your head" means to have shelter or a place to live, typically referring to having a stable and comfortable living situation.
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have your head up your arse
The idiom "have your head up your arse" is a vulgar way of saying that someone is not paying attention or is being willfully ignorant or oblivious to something important. It implies that the person is acting foolishly or clueless in a situation.
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use your head
To "use your head" means to think logically, to make smart decisions, or to use one's intelligence and good judgment.
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be banging your head against a brick wall
To be banging your head against a brick wall means to be wasting your time and effort trying to achieve something that is impossible or unlikely to succeed.
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bury/hide your head in the sand
The idiom "bury/hide your head in the sand" means to ignore or avoid a difficult or unpleasant situation, instead of facing it and dealing with it. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is not addressing a problem or is choosing to remain ignorant of a looming issue.
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bury/have your head in the sand
To be willfully ignorant or in denial about something; to ignore or avoid unpleasant or threatening truths or realities.
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keep your head down
To "keep your head down" means to keep a low profile, avoid drawing attention to oneself, or stay out of trouble. It can also mean to focus on your work or goals without getting distracted or involved in unnecessary drama.
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can do something standing on your head
The idiom "can do something standing on your head" means that someone is able to accomplish or complete a task or challenge very easily, with little effort or difficulty. It implies that the person is extremely skilled or capable in the particular task being referred to.
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scream, shout, etc. your head off
To scream, shout, etc. your head off means to shout, scream or make a loud noise with great intensity or emotion.
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get your head down
To concentrate on something important or to work hard and focus on a task.
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be scratching your head
To be confused or perplexed; to be struggling to understand something.
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be banging, etc. your head against a brick wall
To engage in a futile or pointless effort; to persistently try to achieve something that is impossible or unlikely to succeed.
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scratch your head
To be confused or puzzled; to find something perplexing or difficult to understand.
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out of/off your head
The idiom "out of/off your head" means to be extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, usually resulting in altered perceptions or behavior.
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hide your head in the sand
To ignore or deny reality, especially when facing a difficult situation, by pretending it does not exist.
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laugh yourself silly, at laugh your head off
To laugh uncontrollably or excessively, to the point of being unable to stop or control oneself.
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not bother yourself/your head with/about something
To not worry or concern oneself with something.
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be shouting your head off
To be shouting or yelling loudly and intensely.
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off the top of your head
If someone says something off the top of their head, they are saying it quickly and without thinking carefully.
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with your head in the clouds
The idiom "with your head in the clouds" means to be daydreaming or not paying attention to what is happening in the present moment. It suggests that someone is not grounded in reality and is lost in their own thoughts or fantasies.
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have your head (buried/stuck) in a book
To have your head (buried/stuck) in a book means to be completely engrossed in reading or studying, often to the exclusion of everything else happening around you. It can also refer to someone who is very studious or bookish.
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hold your head (up) high
To hold your head (up) high means to be proud, confident, and unashamed of oneself or one's actions, especially in the face of adversity or criticism. It is about maintaining dignity and self-respect even in challenging situations.
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Get your head out of the clouds!
To stop daydreaming or being unrealistic and start paying attention to reality or practical matters.
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do your head in
To do your head in means to confuse, frustrate, or annoy someone to the point of upset or distress.
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give your head a shake
To tell someone to think more clearly or to reconsider their thoughts or actions.
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put/stick your head above the parapet
To put/stick your head above the parapet means to take a risk or speak out, especially on a controversial issue, despite the potential for criticism or backlash. It often implies being willing to take a stand or stand out from the crowd in order to make a difference or express one's beliefs.
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put/lay your head/neck on the block
The idiom "put/lay your head/neck on the block" means to put oneself in a risky or vulnerable position, often by taking responsibility for something, facing criticism, or facing potential consequences. It implies putting oneself at risk of harm, punishment, or failure.
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can't get your head around sth
The idiom "can't get your head around sth" means to be unable to understand or comprehend something, usually because it is complex, confusing, or difficult to grasp.
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take it into your head to do sth
When someone "takes it into their head to do something," it means they have a sudden or random impulse or idea to do something, usually without any previous planning or consideration.
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get/put your head down
To focus on a task or work diligently and without distraction.
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have your head screwed on right
To have your head screwed on right means to be thinking logically and rationally, to have good judgment and common sense.
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on your head be it
This idiom is used to indicate that someone is taking full responsibility for something, often implying that they will face the consequences if things go wrong. It can also mean that someone has made a decision or choice without input from others, and they will bear the consequences if it turns out to be a mistake.
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get sth into your head
To understand or accept something, typically a difficult or unpleasant truth, often after previously being denied or refusing to acknowledge it.
