off the top of your head

off the top of (one's) head

From memory or without much or careful consideration. A: "How much can we expect to earn this quarter?" B: "Off the top of my head, it should be around $200,000, but I'll have to check the figures when I get to the office." I know of two people who are coming off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure more said they'd be here. John can list the capital cities of all 50 states off the top of his head.
See also: head, of, off, top
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

off the top of your head

If you say something off the top of your head, you say it without thinking about it much or without trying to check it or find out more facts about it. I can't remember off the top of my head the date of the wedding. I'm thinking off the top of my head here. OK, off the top of your head, do you know the capital of South Korea?
See also: head, of, off, top
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

off the top of your head

without careful thought or investigation. informal
1988 Jamaica Kincaid A Small Place He apologises for the incredible mistake he has made in quoting you a price off the top of his head which is so vastly different (favouring him) from the one listed.
See also: head, of, off, top
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

off the ˌtop of your ˈhead

(informal) as a guess; without having time to think carefully: Off the top of my head I’d say it would cost $2 000 to do the repairs. ‘What’s the population of Liverpool?’ ‘I’m afraid I couldn’t tell you off the top of my head.’
See also: head, of, off, top
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • on mature consideration
  • on mature reflection/consideration
  • be careful
  • if you can't be good, be careful
  • puzzle out
  • puzzle out (something)
  • snap decision
  • nut out
  • rubber stamp
  • snap judgment
References in periodicals archive
Tell me, dear reader, without consulting your notes or your newspaper, how many names can you recite off the top of your head as the ones you will shade on your ballot come election day?
How many?
What's your three favourite rock songs, he asked, or something along those lines, and I think he also may have added, 'off the top of your head'.
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"People might think, 'Don't be so stupid, Andy' - I'm just saying that's right off the top of your head.
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In fact, cropping a slice off the top of your head can increase your photo's impact.
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We call the Take-A-Card Cap marketing right off the top of your head."
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Quick, off the top of your head: between Grand Central, Plaza District, and Times Square, which submarket has had the strongest Class A leasing activity in 2010?
Grand Central District never lets you down
Test yourself - can you rattle off your house, street and block numbers off the top of your head?
Life by numbers in our computerised world
Do you happen to have something off the top of your head that I could pass on to offer him a new perspective on the issue?
Education & democracy
Off the top of your head, how many actual words do you guys think are on the new album (ST CD)?
Hightower
"If you have a difficult time thinking off the top of your head, write down a bulleted list of what you want to say," says Holland.
Charmed, I'm sure: proper business etiquette goes beyond the salad fork
Bet you can't name 'em all, off the top of your head: Oh, yes he can: Lovey, Pebbles, Betty Boop, Gracie, Precious, Troubles, Half Pint, Baby Snap, Moose, Buddy and Cody.
Canine crew sustains fisherman
"All that stuff seems to come right off the top of your head." Ed smiled and thanked the man, pleased that he had made it look easy.
How is the Sunday homily prepared?
Q DO you know anyone like your character Rachel, or is this just something off the top of your head?
Q & A
well, I'm sure you can guess it right off the top of your head.
One of our data files is missing. (First in/First out)
GAELIC Players Committee chairman Jarlath Burns last night attacked Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy, telling him: "You're talking off the top of your head."
GAELIC FOOTBALL: BURNS LASHES FINANCE MINISTER