over (one's) head
over (one's) head
1. Too complicated to be understood by one. My jokes always seem to go over Stephanie's head, so I'm glad you think I'm funny at least. A lot of this technical stuff is way over my head.
2. Bypassing one's authority. She just wouldn't listen to me, so I had to go over her head to her boss and complain about it.
3. Lingering as a source of concern or worry for one. All these bills are hanging over my head, and I don't get paid for another week. I'm so glad that exam is over—it's been over my head for months.
See also: head, over
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
*over someone's head
1. Fig. [of the intellectual content of something] too difficult for someone to understand. (*Typically: be ~; go ~; pass ~.) All that talk about computers went over my head. I hope my lecture didn't go over the students'heads.
2. and *over someone; *above someone Fig. to an authority higher than someone. (*Typically: be ~; go ~.) I don't want to have to go over your head, but I will if necessary. I had to go over Fran to get it done. My boss wouldn't listen to my complaint, so I went above her.
See also: head, over
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
over one's head
1. To a position higher than another's, as in She was furious when her assistant was promoted over her head. Similarly, go over someone's head means "appeal to a higher authority," as in Since she couldn't help me, I decided to go over her head and talk to her supervisor. [Mid-1500s]
2. Beyond one's understanding or competence, as in The math required to complete these figures is way over my head. [Early 1600s] For a synonym, see out of one's depth. Also see in deep (over one's head).
See also: head, over
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
over your head
1 beyond your ability to understand. 2 without your knowledge or involvement, especially when you have a right to this. 3 with disregard for your own (stronger) claim.See also: head, over
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
over somebody’s ˈhead
to a higher position of authority than somebody: He gets angry when you go over his head and talk to his boss.See also: head, over
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
over one’s head
mod. confusing; too difficult to understand. This stuff is too hard. It’s over my head.
See also: head, over
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- (something) is over (one's) head
- be on the ball
- (it's) good to hear your voice
- be out of (one's) head
- be at a disadvantage
- at a disadvantage
- address comments or remarks to
- address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
- address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
- be in it for