an old head on young shoulders

an old head on young shoulders

A young person who acts or speaks like an older person. Katie may only be 13, but she is so insightful. She's really an old head on young shoulders. Tommy seems like an old head on young shoulders since he's always repeating the outdated phrases he hears from his grandmother.
See also: head, old, on, shoulder, young
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(have) an old head on young ˈshoulders

used to describe a young person who acts in a more sensible way than you would expect for a person of their age: He’s only seventeen, but he has an old head on young shoulders and remains calm under pressure.
See also: head, old, on, shoulder, young
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs
  • frog in a small pond
  • pond
  • a big fish in a small pond
  • a big frog in a small pond
  • big fish in a small pond
  • big frog in a small pond
  • hanger-on
  • a whole team and the dog under the wagon
  • change off
References in periodicals archive
He's a captain, he's a leader of men, an old head on young shoulders and as soon as Wes was going to be given his opportunity I knew he'd fly and flourish.
Blues' rookies could be new jewel in the crown
"He has an old head on young shoulders and is a down-to-earth guy who knows what he wants."
Tipuric is backed to oust Wales star Sam
It was like when you first saw Wayne Rooney coming through, playing with an old head on young shoulders. He's playing like an old hand.
Football: Kid can cut rivals to quick says Ash; WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN
'He has got an old head on young shoulders and he is more than capable of carrying the responsibility at fly-half.'
James will win the big fly-half battle, vows confident Jenkins