Idioms with the word head

Автор: Дмитрий Сироткин

Подготовил обзор идиом о голове.

Всего их набралось более 60.

Для каждой идиомы даются перевод и пример использования.

Идиомы о превосходстве

better to be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion — лучше быть лидером малой группы, чем исполнителем в большой группе
Eric, young football player always played for his hometown team rather than moving to a larger city with a bigger team. He thought that it was better to be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.

Кстати, идиомы о собаке

get / have a head start – получать преимущество на старте
The Nigerian athlete had a head start and he won the race.

go head to head with (someone) – конкурировать без явного преимущества, идти голова в голову
I went head to head with Nick all the championship.

go to one’s head – 1. вызывать головокружение 2. вызывать излишнее чувство собственной значимости
The round dance went to Betty’s head.

have a big head – считать себя лучше других
Tom is a good speaker and he has a big head.

head and shoulders above – быть лучше, превосходить
Eric is head and shoulders above previous Emma’s boyfriends.

in over one’s head – быть выше (моих) сил, возможностей
Jack promised to decide this question, but he realized that he was in over his head!

give (someone) a swelled head – придавать самоуверенности
The Rick’s promotion is giving him a swelled head.

Идиомы о риске и опасности

come to a head – достигнуть критической точки
The situation came to a head when the boss refused to pay a bonus to our sales managers.

Heads up! – быть начеку, быть готовым встретить опасность
«Heads up! It’s a dangerous place».

heads will roll – виновные будут наказаны (полетят головы)
The director says heads will roll if we launch the new brand unsuccessfully.

put / stick one’s head in a noose – делать то, что может навредить самому себе (совать голову в петлю)
I stuck my head in a noose when I promised to finish this ugly project on time.

put one’s head in the lion’s mouth – ставить (себя) в опасную или трудную ситуацию
Sam put his head in the lion’s mouth when he played a joke on our HR-director.

put one’s head on the block for – идти на лишения или риски ради кого-то или чего-то
John is ready to put his head on the block for his wage raising.

Идиомы о сумасшествии и тупости

a head case — сумасшедший
The new sales manager is a head case.

bonehead – тупой человек (кость вместо мозга)
Sam is a bonehead. He understands only simple things.

have one’s head examined – диагностировать психические нарушения
Ted is too strange. Maybe, he needs to have his head examined.

have rocks in one`s head – быть тупым или сумасшедшим
My teacher thinks that I have rocks in my head.

head shrinker — психиатр
My son want to become a head shrinker!

out of one’s head – быть сумасшедшим или глупым
The guy at the bus stop was out of his head.

Идиомы о решении проблем

bang / beat one`s head against a (brick) wall – прошибать лбом стену, упорно заниматься безнадежным делом
Sarah is beating her head against a brick wall trying to understand her boyfriend.

bring (something) to a head – обострять (ситуацию), доводить до конца
The politicians needed to bring the situation to a head to get a resolution.

bury / hide one’s head in the sand – прятать голову в песок, игнорировать очевидную проблему
My wife buried her head in the sand and would not talk about our problems.

butt heads with (someone) – спорить с кем-нибудь, сталкиваться лбами
Nick always likes butting heads with other people.

put one’s heads together – решать проблему совместными усилиями (обсуждением)
We put our heads together to prepare the company annual report.

raise / rear its (ugly) head – проблема возвращается через какое-то время
The problem between Lina and Rosa raised its ugly head after some years of calm.

Идиомы о чувствах и настроении

be like a bear with a sore head — быть в плохом настроении
Ivan is like a bear with a sore head when he is travelling by plane.

Кстати, идиомы о животных

bite (someone’s) head off либо bite off (someone’s) head – разговаривать враждебно
Tom want to speak with his mother-in-low but she bit his head off.

fall head over hills – влюбиться по уши
Oh, my God! All my friends are falling head over hills!

Кстати, идиомы о любви

get / put (someone or something) out of one’s head – перестать думать о ком-то или чем-то, выбросить из головы

head in the clouds – в отрыве от реальности (витать в облаках)
You have your head in the clouds if you think Dan loves you.

Кстати, идиомы о погоде

Let your heart rule your head – позвольте чувству взять верх над рассудком
Nick never lets his heart rule his head…

Идиомы о беспокойстве

hanging over (someone’s) head – доставлять серьезное беспокойство
The scandal has been hanging over Linda’s head.

one’s head is buzzing – голова забита мыслями
My head is buzzing all the day.

lose one’s head (over) – становиться озадаченным или помешанным, терять голову
Don’t lose your head over this stress situation.

scratch one’s head – быть сбитым с толку
I’m scratching my head over Paul’s behavior.

trouble one’s head about – беспокоиться о
«You shouldn’t trouble your head about your accommodation.»

Идиомы о понимании

get into (someone’s) head – глубоко понимать другого человека
George is able to get into Joan’s head.

go over (someone’s) head – быть слишком трудным для понимания
The philosophy goes over my head.

make heads or tails (out) of – разобраться, найти значение
Our teacher can’t make heads or tails out of new devices.

Идиомы об уме и рассудительности

have a good head on one’s shoulders – быть умным и рассудительным, иметь голову на плечах
Don’t worry. Mr.Trump is a fair judge and he has a good head on his shoulders.

have one’s head screwed on right/straight – быть рассудительным и принимать верные решения
I like Hellen. She has her head screwed on right.

hit the nail on the head – быть совершенно верным / правым
Bill’s answer hit the nail on the head!

Идиомы о внушении

beat / drum (something) into (someone`s) head – заставлять выучить что-то путем многократного повторения (вколачивать в голову)
The mother tried to beat the rhyme into the son’s head.

get (something) into/through (someone`s) head – внушить что-то кому-то
It was difficult to get it through Dan’s head that we should go out.

put ideas into (someone’s) head – внушать, подсказывать что-то
Lucy’s friends are always putting ideas into her head.

Идиомы о слишком многом

laugh one’s head off – много и долго смеяться
Leslie laughed his head off when I told him my history.

scream one’s head off – много и долго визжать
The old woman fell and screamed her head off.

talk (someone’s) head off – слишком много болтать
My wife talked my head off all the day.

Идиомы о спокойствии и достоинстве

hold one’s head up / high – сохранять достоинство, идти с высоко поднятой головой
Maria is able to hold her head up in any situation!

keep a cool head – сохранять спокойствие в трудной ситуации
Maggie tried to keep a cool head during the divorce.

Идиомы о счете голов

count heads – считать людей (головы)
The teacher always counts heads in the morning.

a / per head – на одного человека
«The tickets were just three hundred dollars a head.»

Прочие идиомы о голове

able to (do something) standing on one’s head – способный делать что-либо легко и быстро
Robert is able to do his job standing on his head.

from head to toe – с головы до ног
Lisa was dressed in red from head to toe.

have a price on one’s head – назначена награда за поимку преступника
Yesterday Bob knew that he has a price on his head.

have eyes in the back of your head – всё замечать, иметь глаза на затылке
Our supervisor has eyes in the back of his head!

keep head above water – держаться на плаву, стараться сохранить бизнес, не влезая в долги
Our sales have decreased so it’s hard to keep head above water.

Кстати, идиомы о бизнесе

need (something) like a hole in the head – не нуждаться в чем-то вообще
My nephew needs this book like he needs a hole in the head.

off the top of one`s head – приблизительно, не долго думая, по памяти
Roger knows all of his colleagues off the top of his head.

stand / turn (something) on its head – изменить значение на противоположное, поставить с ног на голову
My boss is able to turn the argument on its head.

turn (someone’s) head – привлекать внимание
My bright umbrella turned everybody’s head.

wet the baby’s head – выпить, чтобы отметить рождение ребенка (обмыть рождение ребенка)
When his first child was born, David decided to wet the baby’s head.

О чем говорят нам английские идиомы со словом голова? О достаточно разнообразных явлениях и вещах.

В этом обзоре идиом про голову были выявлены следующие области их значений: превосходство, риск и опасность, сумасшествие и тупость, решение проблем, чувства и настроение, беспокойство, понимание, ум и рассудительность, внушение, слишком многое, достоинство и спокойствие, счет голов.

Кстати, интересно сравнить этот список с аналогичным списком тем, получившемся при подготовке обзора русских фразеологизмов про голову: бесшабашность и удаль, глупость, проблемы, ум, входящее в голову, происходящее в голове, выходящее из головы, манипуляция, погружение в задачу, кров, пьянство и трезвость, неадекватность, наглость, раскаяние.

Как видим, при значительном пересечении тем имеются существенные национальные особенности (например, лидирующая у нас тема удали и бесшабашности слабо представлена в английских идиомах).

Итак, голова играет достаточно большую роль в английском языке и жизни. Как, впрочем, и в русском языке и жизни.

Наверное, если бы в этом обзоре не приводились примеры употребления каждой из идиом, он был бы более легко воспринимаемым. Но, с другой стороны, такие примеры помогают лучше почувствовать верный контекст их применения.

В дополнение могу порекомендовать вам следующие статьи:

• Идиомы про работу
• Идиомы про еду
• Идиомы про спорт
• Бесплатные программы для изучения английского
• Обзор сайтов по изучению английского

Если вам понравилась эта статья и вы захотели поделиться с друзьями ссылкой на нее в социальной сети, то я ведь только за! Просто воспользуйтесь кнопками сетей ниже.

Комментарии также всячески приветствуются!

02.03.2014

Как известно, чем большую роль играет в жизни общества или нации тот или иной объект, тем больше устойчивых выражений с его названием будет в языке. Не удивительно, что идиомы со словом голова присутствуют во всех языках в огромном количестве. Не исключение и английский язык. Я постаралась подобрать наиболее интересные и часто употребляемые английские идиомы со словом head. Итак, представляю вашему вниманию исчерпывающий список Head idioms.

To be head and shoulders above smb. – быть на порядок лучше;

To come to a head – достигнуть высшей точки;

Head over heels – полностью, совершенно;

Heads up – держать ухо востро;

To get smth. through one’s head – осознать;

To have one’s head in the clouds – витать в облаках;

To hang one’s head in shame  — устыдиться, застесняться;

To keep one’s head above water – с трудом выжить;

Over one’s head – сверх чьего-либо понимания;

To make head or tail – пытаться понять;

Heads or tails –орел или решка;

To give a horse his head – отпустить поводья;

To put heads together – сотрудничать;

To make heads against – противиться, сопротивляться;

To rear one’s ugly head – появляться;

An old head on young body – мудр не по годам;

To bring to a head – доводить до конца, обострять;

To hit the nail on the head – высказаться точно;

To go out of one’s head – рехнуться, сойти с ума.

Over head and ears – полностью, по уши;

Head over ears – полностью, по уши;

Head-hunting – поиск специалистов;

To plant an idea into smb.’s head – подать кому-либо мысль;

To place a price on smb.’s head – объявить награду за поимку;

To hold one’s head high – гордиться.

Я буду вам безгранично благодарна, если вы обогатите мой список интересными идиомами.

Поупражняться в использовании английских идиом со словом голова можно здесь.

Понравилось? Сохраните на будущее и поделитесь с друзьями!

Head Idioms: Idioms are small sentences or excerpts from longer ones, which have been taken in order to be used metaphorically, or in simpler words, to denote something other than its literal meaning. The subject of most idioms have been derived from everyday life, be it some animal around us or a body part or an object.

Hence idioms can be categorized as per its subject. Using our body parts, there can be head idioms, foot idioms, hand idioms, heart idioms, so on and so forth.

Here in this specific article, we are going to discuss about some idioms, the subject of which is the most vital part of our body, the head. The head phrase examples or examples of head idioms can be broadly distributed into five categories, according to the different functions of the brain.

Enrich your Vocabulary by practicing the English Idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversations and understand their actual meaning.

There are idioms where the Head is seen as the representative of man, in others it can be found as the seat of mental faculty, as the point of emotions, as a sign of power and in some, as a mark of value.

A thorough study and understanding head idioms and phrases, give us an idea of cross-cultural similarities and differences in the way the Head has been conceptualized.

Names of Head Idioms

• Meanings and examples of some commonly used head idioms

List of Head Idioms

• Able to do something standing on one’s head
• Bang your head against a wall
• Beat something into someone’s head
• Bite someone’s head off
• Bring to a head
• Off the top of your head
• Head-to-head
• Bury one’s head in the sand
• Can’t make heads or tails out of something
• Drum something into someone’s head
• Head over heels in love
• From head to toe
• Have your head in the clouds
• Head start
• Get your head above water
• Get someone or something out of one’s head
• Give someone a head’s start
• Go to someone’s head
• Have a good head on your shoulders
• Head someone or something off
• Hit the nail on the head
• In over one’s head
• Lose your head
• Head and shoulders above
• Use your head
• Keep your head down
• Two heads are better than one
• Laugh your head off
• Go over your head
• Rear Its Ugly Head

Meanings and examples of some commonly used head idioms

Able to do something standing on one’s head

Meaning: Capable of completing a task with no difficulty

Example: The topper was able to solve the tough problem standing on his head.

Bang your head against a wall

Meaning: Acting or saying something repeatedly but in vain.

Example: The criminal banged his head against a wall, pleading mercy.

Beat something into someone’s head

Meaning: Spoon feeding or repeatedly trying to teach something to someone, intensely

Example: The coach beat the winning plan into the players’ heads, in order to win the game.

Bite someone’s head off

Meaning: to shout or criticise someone over a simple issue

Example: He is not a person to bite someone’s head off, but his frustration made him do so.

Bring to a head

Meaning: a reason to reach a point of crisis.

Example: The pandemic brought the entire world to a head.

Off the top of your head

Meaning: without thorough analysis

Example: Choosing a title for a book cannot be done off the top of the head.

Head-to-head

Meaning: Confrontation involving two individuals or groups

Example: Cold war was a head-to-head bureaucratic battle between Russia and America.

Bury one’s head in the sand

Meaning: Staying aloof of the bitter truth or reality

Example: His father worked hard to make their ends meet, but Rahul kept his head buried in the sand.

Can’t make heads or tails out of something

Meaning: Puzzling and difficult to understand

Example: I failed to make heads or tails out of the riddle.

Drum something into someone’s head

Meaning: Teach someone by repeated explanation

Example: The tutor drummed the subject material into the student’s head, so that he is able to qualify the competitive examination.

Head over heels

Meaning: Completely in love with someone or something

Example: The way he explained the part, show that he was head over heels with the female character of the play.

From head to toe

Meaning: Spread over the entire body

Examples: The accident left him with bruises from head to toe.

Have your head in the clouds

Meaning: Being ignorant of the problems or issues associated with a situation

Example: After the promotion he had his head in the clouds.

Head start

Meaning: An additional advantage or favour at the beginning of an action

Example: As a penalty, his opponent was given a 2 second head start during the 200 metre race.

Get your head above water

Meaning: Evade giving in to difficulties or failure

Example: Get your head above water, otherwise you will lose everything to gambling.

Get someone or something out of one’s head

Meaning: Try to forget about someone or something

Example: After her death, it was difficult for the man to get his beloved out of his head.

Give someone a head start

Meaning: Having some advantage over other people.

Example: Mariam had quite a head start even before she started to work.

Go to someone’s head

Meaning: Make someone intoxicated or proud

Example: The alcohol made him go to his head.

Have a good head on your shoulders

Meaning: Being someone others can rely on

Example: The team leader had a good head on his shoulders, the team was happy to work under him.

Head someone or something off

Meaning: Divert, deflect or stall on-coming things

Example: The revolution was headed off by giving out a few allowances to the revolutionaries

Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: to say the correct thing

Example: The boss applauded the engineer for hitting the nail on the head, in the machine breakdown issue.

In over one’s head

Meaning: Getting stuck in a complicated situation

Example: On an attempt to complete the work by a short cut, he got in over his head.

Lose your head

Meaning: Losing control over oneself

Example: The unscrupulous behaviour of his colleague during the client meeting, made the boss lose his head.

Head and shoulders above

Meaning: Someone (or something) being better than the others

Example: The partial teacher proclaimed Rahul if being head and shoulders above in the class.

Use your head

Meaning: Thinking and analysing properly to avoid a mistake

Example: Use your head while planning for the future

Keep your head down

Meaning: Be inconspicuous

Example: The spy scout had to keep his head down on the sudden approach of enemy soldiers

Two heads are better than one

Meaning: Having a second opinion is always better

Example: They decided to consult another doctor other than their home physician, as two heads are better than one.

Laugh your head off

Meaning: Uncontrollable laughter

Example: They laughed their heads off at the comedy club.

Go over your head

Meaning: Discussing something with a superior

Example: As the team failed to find a solution, they decided to go over their head

Rear Its Ugly Head

Meaning: Something appearing again and causing trouble just like the last time.

Example: The Wi-Fi network is rearing its ugly head once more.

Here are 50+ head idioms and phrases with their meanings and examples:

Head over heels
Meaning: Completely infatuated or deeply in love with someone.
Example: She fell head over heels in love with him on their first date.

Head in the clouds
Meaning: Being unaware of what is going on around you or being unrealistic.
Example: You need to pay attention to your work instead of having your head in the clouds.

Head start
Meaning: An advantage that someone has over others in a competition or activity.
Example: She had a head start in the race, so it wasn’t a surprise when she won.

Head honcho
Meaning: A person in charge or the leader of a group.
Example: The head honcho of the company made the final decision on the project.

Head scratcher
Meaning: Something that is difficult to understand or confusing.
Example: The new math problem was a real head scratcher for the students.

Head to toe
Meaning: Referring to the entire body or something that covers the whole body.
Example: She was dressed in red from head to toe for the party.

Head-on
Meaning: A situation where two things or people are directly facing each other.
Example: The two cars collided head-on, causing a massive accident.

Head trip
Meaning: An experience that is mentally stimulating or challenging.
Example: The museum exhibit was a real head trip, making you question your own perception of reality.

Head to head
Meaning: A direct confrontation or competition between two people or things.
Example: The two athletes were going head to head in the final round of the competition.

Head in the sand
Meaning: Refusing to acknowledge or deal with a problem.
Example: He had his head in the sand when it came to his finances, which eventually led to his bankruptcy.

Head for the hills
Meaning: To run away or escape from danger.
Example: The hikers quickly headed for the hills when they heard the sound of a nearby avalanche.

Head count
Meaning: A count of the number of people in a group.
Example: The teacher took a head count before the class trip to ensure that no one was left behind.

Head case
Meaning: Someone who is mentally unstable or has a peculiar personality.
Example: The suspect was deemed a head case by the detectives investigating the crime.

Head first
Meaning: Doing something without thinking or without caution.
Example: He jumped head first into the project without considering the consequences.

Head over the barrell
Meaning: Being in a vulnerable or helpless situation.
Example: After losing his job, he felt like he was over a barrel and didn’t know what to do.

Head for the door
Meaning: To leave a place quickly.
Example: As soon as the meeting was over, she headed for the door to avoid any further discussion.

Head up
Meaning: To lead or manage a group or situation.
Example: He was put in charge to head up the company’s new marketing campaign.

Head in the game
Meaning: Being focused or attentive to a task or activity.
Example: The athlete needed to keep his head in the game to win the championship.

Head on a platter
Meaning: A request or demand for someone to be punished or held responsible for something.
Example: The angry customers wanted the manager’s head on a platter after the restaurant’s terrible service.

Head above water
Meaning: To be able to manage or survive despite difficult circumstances.
Example: Despite the economic downturn, the small business was able to keep its head above water.

Head over heels in debt
Meaning: To be deeply in debt.
Example: After losing his job, he found himself head over heels in debt.

Headache
Meaning: A problem or difficulty.
Example: Dealing with the bureaucracy was a real headache.

Head for heights
Meaning: To enjoy being in high places or having a high altitude.
Example: He was a natural rock climber and had a real head for heights.

Head above the parapet
Meaning: To take a public or bold stance on an issue.
Example: The activist was brave enough to put her head above the parapet and speak out against injustice.

Head-on collision
Meaning: A collision that happens when two vehicles are traveling towards each other in opposite directions.
Example: The head-on collision caused a lot of damage to both cars.

Heads will roll
Meaning: A phrase that means people will be punished or held responsible for a mistake or failure.
Example: The CEO warned the employees that if the project failed, heads would roll.

Head in the game
Meaning: Being focused and paying attention to what’s happening around you.
Example: The athlete had to keep his head in the game to be able to win the race.

Head of the class
Meaning: To be the best in a group or class.
Example: He always worked hard and was consistently the head of the class.

Head to the hills
Meaning: To run away or escape from danger or an unpleasant situation.
Example: When he saw the angry crowd approaching, he knew it was time to head to the hills.

Head and shoulders above
Meaning: To be significantly better than others.
Example: Her skills in writing were head and shoulders above the other applicants.

Head in the right place
Meaning: To have good intentions or to be thinking in the right way.
Example: Although she made a mistake, her head was in the right place and she had good intentions.

Head in the game
Meaning: To be fully focused and engaged in a task or activity.
Example: The team had to keep their heads in the game to be able to win the championship.

Head-to-head combat
Meaning: A fight or competition between two opponents.
Example: The two boxers were preparing for a head-to-head combat in the ring.

Head for the border
Meaning: To leave a place or country and go to another one, especially to escape from danger or the law.
Example: The smuggler decided to head for the border after being chased by the police.

Head over heels in trouble
Meaning: To be in serious trouble or danger.
Example: He found himself head over heels in trouble after getting involved in illegal activities.

Head start
Meaning: To have an advantage over others in a competition or activity.
Example: Having previous experience in the field gave him a head start in the job market.

Headwind
Meaning: Resistance or opposition to progress or advancement.
Example: The company faced headwinds in expanding its operations due to regulatory hurdles.

Head on the chopping block
Meaning: To be in danger of being punished or held responsible for a mistake or failure.
Example: The manager knew that he was next in line to have his head on the chopping block after the company’s financial losses.

Head off
Meaning: To prevent or stop something from happening.
Example: The company tried to head off the negative publicity by issuing a statement.

Head over heels for someone
Meaning: To be deeply in love with someone.
Example: He was head over heels for his girlfriend and would do anything to make her happy.

Head down
Meaning: To work hard and concentrate on a task.
Example: He had to put his head down and finish the project before the deadline.

Head of the line
Meaning: To be first in a line or queue.
Example: The VIP guest was given the privilege of being the head of the line.

Head of steam
Meaning: To have a lot of energy or enthusiasm for something.
Example: The team had a head of steam going into the championship game, with several consecutive wins behind them and a strong sense of confidence and determination to win.

Head honcho
Meaning: A person in charge or with the highest authority in an organization.
Example: The head honcho of the company was responsible for making all major decisions.

Keep a level head
Meaning: To remain calm and rational in a difficult or stressful situation.
Example: The pilot had to keep a level head when the plane experienced engine trouble.

Head scratcher
Meaning: A difficult or confusing problem that requires careful thought.
Example: The math problem was a real head scratcher and took hours to solve.

Head over heels
Meaning: To be completely and deeply involved in something.
Example: She was head over heels in love with her new hobby of photography.

Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To accurately identify or solve a problem.
Example: The consultant hit the nail on the head with her analysis of the company’s financial issues.

Off the top of one’s head
Meaning: To give an answer without much thought or preparation.
Example: I don’t have the exact numbers off the top of my head, but I know that sales have been increasing.

Over one’s head
Meaning: To be too difficult or complex for someone to understand.
Example: The advanced physics course was over my head, so I had to drop it and take a simpler class instead.

Heads Up (excl.)
Meaning: Get ready! Be prepared.
Example: Heads up! The vice-president is visiting the office today, and I want everyone here.

Rear Its Ugly Head
Meaning: Appear, be revealed
Example: We were almost finished with the spreadsheet when the problem of the write-offs reared its ugly head.

Use One’s Head
Meaning: To think, to have common sense.
Example: You shouldn’t buy a new car until you’ve paid off the debt from your student loan. Use your head!

Download Words Coach: All English Idioms & Phrases

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