Phrase guide

over one's head

adj · 5 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

adj

Meaning 1

More complex or confusing than one can understand; beyond one’s comprehension.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • This is way over my head. Can you explain it more simply?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

More than one can handle; too much (especially in over one's head).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I’m in over my head on this project. Can you help?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adj

Meaning 3

Performing at a level greatly superior to one's usual level of performance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • He just shot a spectacularly over his head round of golf and beat all of us.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

adj

Meaning 4

Directed to someone with authority over the person, so as to avoid requiring the approval of the person himself or herself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Topics: business

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

adj

Meaning 5

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see over, head.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Russian: выше чьего-либо понимания (vyše čʹjevo-libo ponimanija) — more complex or confusing than one can understand
  • Spanish: fuera de su entendimiento / comprehensión — more complex or confusing than one can understand
  • Russian: выше чьих-либо сил — more than one can handle; too much
  • Russian: не по зубам — more than one can handle; too much
  • Spanish: demasiado para — more than one can handle; too much
  • Spanish: más de lo que puede — more than one can handle; too much
  • Swedish: ta sig vatten över huvudet — more than one can handle; too much