head over heels
Filed under H
In a sentence
- She fell head over heels in love with him as soon as she saw him.
- After winning the lottery, he was head over heels with excitement.
- The children ran head over heels down the hill, laughing and screaming.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "head over heels" is commonly used in the English language to express a state of being deeply or completely in love or infatuated with someone. This phrase, which has been in use for centuries, originated from the phrase "heels over head" during the Middle Ages. The phrase referred to a somersault or tumbling movement, symbolizing moments of physical disorientation.
Another theory suggests that the idiom may have derived from horsemanship, specifically the act of falling off a horse. In this interpretation, "head over heels" describes the sudden and drastic movement of being thrown upside down, symbolizing the feeling of being entirely captivated or taken over by love. Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has become ingrained in the English language and is used to describe intense infatuation or love.
The idiom "head over heels" represents the intense and all-consuming nature of love and infatuation. It originated from phrases such as "heels over head" and has been widely used in the English language for centuries. Along with its related idioms "over the moon," "have the hots for," and "base over apex," it conveys the depth of human emotions and the powerful impact they can have on individuals. These idioms serve as tools for individuals to express their deepest feelings and experiences in a concise and vivid manner.
Neighbouring idioms
- over the moonEmotions & feelings
- have the hots forPeople & relationships
- base over apexPlaces & travel
- hot and heavyPeople & relationships
- have one's heart inEmotions & feelings
- all over oneselfEmotions & feelings
- bubble overEmotions & feelings
- go overboard
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.