go to someone’s head: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go to someone's head’ mean?
The idiomatic expression "go to someone's head" means that success or praise can make a person arrogant or overconfident, leading them to have an inflated sense of importance or superiority.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "laugh one's head off" means to laugh uncontrollably and excessively.
The idiom "hold over someone's head" means to continually remind someone of a past mistake or wrongdoings in order to control or manipulate them.
"Hold one's head high" means to feel a sense of pride or self-confidence while facing a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "hold one's head high" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means to maintain a sense of dignity and self-esteem despite facing challenges or adversity.
The idiom "high and mighty" means that someone is arrogant, haughty, or acting superior to others. It refers to someone who thinks they are better or more important than everyone else.
High and mighty is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is arrogant or conceited, believing themselves to be superior to others.
The idiom "head-the-ball" refers to a person who is unpredictable, scatterbrained, or lacks focus. They often make impulsive decisions or behave in a foolish manner.
The idiom "head start" is frequently used in American English to describe a situation where one person or group has an advantage or lead over others in a competitive setting. This phrase, which originated in the mid-20th century, has remained consistent in its meaning over time.
The idiom "head and shoulders" means to be significantly better or superior compared to others in a particular area or aspect.
The idiom "head south" means to go in the wrong direction or to experience a decline or failure.
When it comes to the idiom "head south," there are a few things we know for sure. This expression is commonly used in the United States and is typically used to imply that something is going in the wrong direction or turning out unfavorably. The idea of going "south" in this sense implies moving away from the desired or intended course.
The idiom "have a head for" means to be naturally skilled or talented in a particular area or to have a knack for something.
“Have a head for” is an idiomatic expression that has its origins in the late 19th century. This phrase is commonly used in American English and is derived from the literal meaning of “head” as the part of the body that contains the brain and is associated with intelligence and mental abilities.
The idiom "hand someone his head" means to defeat or humiliate someone completely, usually in a competition or conflict.
Ideas Overwhelm
One commonly used idiom in English is "go to someone's head." This idiom refers to a sudden change in behavior or attitude due to newfound success or praise. It suggests that when someone becomes intoxicated with their own achievements or recognition, it can cloud their judgment and impair their ability to remain grounded and level-headed.
The idiom "go to someone's head" can be traced back to the physical sensation of feeling lightheaded or dizzy. It metaphorically extends this sensory experience to the realm of emotions and psychology, implying that success or praise can have a negative effect on a person's character, causing them to become arrogant or egotistical.
So how does this idiom relate to other idioms in the English language? Let's explore a few related idioms to gain a better understanding.
The first related idiom is "big head." When someone's achievements go to their head, they may develop a big head. This means that they become conceited and believe they are better than others. It reflects a sense of superiority and self-importance that can arise from a person's newfound success or recognition.
Another related idiom is "go over someone's head." This idiom means to bypass someone in authority or to ignore their input. When someone's success or achievements go to their head, they may start disregarding the opinions and ideas of others, thinking that they know best.
"hand someone his head" is another related idiom. It means to defeat or humiliate someone thoroughly. When someone's success or praise goes to their head and they become arrogant or egotistical, they may be headed for a downfall. Their behavior and attitude may alienate others, leading to their ultimate defeat or humiliation.
"do someone's head in" is yet another related idiom. It means to annoy or bother someone to the point of frustration. When someone's achievements or success go to their head, they may start bragging or displaying a superior attitude, which can irritate and bother others, leading to their frustration.
Finally, there is the idiom "bite someone's head off." This idiom means to respond to someone with anger or irritability. When someone's success or recognition goes to their head, they may become more easily agitated or irritable. They may respond to others in an aggressive or rude manner, biting their heads off.
Understanding these related idioms can help us grasp the full meaning and implications of the phrase "go to someone's head." It goes beyond a simple change in behavior or attitude; it also highlights the potential negative effects of success and praise on an individual's character and relationships.
Whether it's the development of a big head, the disregard of others' opinions, the possibility of defeat and humiliation, the frustration it can cause, or the potential for aggression and rudeness, the idiom "go to someone's head" reminds us to remain humble and grounded even in the face of success. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the pitfalls of excess pride and self-importance.
The idiom "go to someone's head" is a versatile expression that can be applied to various contexts, including professional success, personal relationships, and even substance abuse. It can help us understand the impact of success on a person's behavior and can serve as a reminder to maintain humility and perspective throughout our own journeys.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *go to someone's head* can be used in a sentence:
1. Winning the lottery went to his head, and he started spending money recklessly.
2. The sudden fame from his viral video went to her head, and she became arrogant.
3. The promotion at work went to his head, and he started acting like he was better than everyone else.
More "Ego" idioms
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