Phrase guide

go over someone's head

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To take up an issue with another person's boss or other superior rather than beginning or continuing to deal with the original person.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • She went over his head and took her complaint directly to the president of the company.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To escape someone's comprehension.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I listened carefully, but the technical jargon went over my head.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Russian: через голову — to take up an issue with another person's boss or other superior rather than beginning or continuing to deal with the original person
  • Hungarian: nem fér a fejébe — to escape someone's comprehension