over the head

idiom

The phrase "over the head" can describe something that is difficult to understand, an action taken without consulting authority, or a literal position above someone.

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🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2General

(figurative)Too difficult to understand.

Example

The lecture on quantum mechanics was over the head of most attendees.

C1Workplace

(informal)Taking action without consulting a higher authority.

Example

She went over her manager's head to get approval from the director.

A2Physical

Situated directly above someone's head.

Example

The ceiling fan is spinning over the head of the children.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "over the head":

over one's head heels over head over the top on one's head off one's head throw over go over someone's head put over head over heels head and shoulders hand someone his head over and under turn on its head double over make head against over the fence in one's head head to toe put one over from the top on top head to head