over one's head
Related to over one's head: in hot water, at the eleventh hour, above 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
over (someone's) head
1. Describing the act of speaking to one's superior rather than talking to one directly. She just wouldn't listen to me, so I had to go over her head to her boss and complain about it.
2. Not understood by one because it is too complex or subtle for their comprehension. My jokes always seem to go over Stephanie's head, so I'm glad you think I'm funny at least.
See also: head, over
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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.
- (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