10 Common Phrases with the word “Head”
The word “head” appears in dozens of everyday English expressions—but many aren’t about your literal head! These 10 common phrases with the word head are packed with meaning, used by native speakers daily, and essential for understanding conversations, movies, and songs. From confusion to love to leadership, “head” idioms add color and clarity to your English.
Common Ways to Use “Head” in Idioms and Expressions
Confusion & Understanding
- Over my head Means something is too difficult or complex to understand. The math lecture was completely over my head.
- Off the top of my head Said when giving an immediate, unprepared answer. Off the top of my head, I’d say we spent about $200.
- Keep your head Means to stay calm in a stressful situation. During the fire alarm, she kept her head and guided everyone out safely.
Leadership & Responsibility
- Head of [department/team] Refers to the leader or person in charge. She’s the head of marketing at a tech startup.
- Go over someone’s head Means to bypass a person in authority and talk to their superior. I tried to get approval, but he made me go over his head to the manager.
Movement & Emotion
- Head over heels Means to be deeply in love (often “head over heels in love”). They’ve been head over heels since college.
- Hit the books / hit the road / hit the hay (Note: Not “head,” but often confused—so we focus only on true “head” phrases.) → Instead: Bury your head in the sand Means to ignore a problem and hope it goes away. He’s buring his head in the sand about his debt.
- Turn your head Means to look away or be distracted (often used in “don’t turn your head”). Don’t turn your head—the surprise is coming!
Everyday & Figurative
- Get it into your head Means to finally understand or accept something (sometimes used firmly). You need to get it into your head that punctuality matters.
- Lose your head Means to panic or lose self-control. If the Wi-Fi goes out during the presentation, don’t lose your head—just keep talking.
Real-Life Dialogues
Student: I didn’t understand the physics homework.
Friend: Same—it was totally over my head.
Student: Can you guess the answer off the top of your head?
Friend: Uh… 42? Don’t lose your head—it’s just one assignment!
Partner: Are you still into Alex?
You: No! I’m head over heels for Sam now.
Partner: Seriously? Since when?
You: Since they helped me keep my head during the project crisis!
Quick Tips: Using “Head” Phrases Correctly
| Phrase | When to Use | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| Over my head | When something is too hard to understand | Technical talks, advanced classes |
| Head of [team] | In professional or organizational settings | Work emails, introductions |
| Head over heels | Talking about deep romantic love | Casual chats, stories about relationships |
| Keep your head | Encouraging calm during stress | Emergencies, tough presentations |
Practice Tip
Pick one “head” idiom this week—like “over my head” or “head over heels”—and use it in a real conversation or journal entry. It’ll stick better when you say it out loud!
Why This Matters
- These 10 common phrases with the word head appear constantly in TV, movies, and real-life English—you’ll understand more when you know them.
- Using idioms makes your English sound natural, fluent, and culturally aware.
- Many “head” expressions describe emotions or thinking—key for expressing yourself clearly and vividly.
Idioms give English its rhythm and flavor. Try using one of these 10 common phrases with the word head in your next chat—and watch your fluency grow! Happy learning! 😊
