hɛd ˈoʊvər hiːlz
Relationships
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- With one's head positioned above one's heels (tumbling)
What does "head over heels" mean?
- Completely and deeply in love
- Totally and utterly immersed in something
Examples
- He fell head over heels in love with her.
- She's head over heels for her new boyfriend.
- They're head over heels and planning a wedding.
Origin
Originally 'heels over head' (tumbling), which got reversed in common usage. Now primarily means being completely in love, as if one has tumbled into it.
How to use it
Almost always used with 'in love' or to describe romantic feelings. Very common romantic expression.
Similar expressions
madly in love
crazy about
smitten
besotted
Opposites
indifferent
cool
unattached
Related idioms
- break the ice
To initiate conversation in an awkward social situation
- see eye to eye
To agree with someone completely
- pull someone's leg
To tease or joke with someone
- cut someone some slack
To be less strict or demanding with someone
- tie the knot
To get married
- burn bridges
To destroy relationships or opportunities permanently
Use it in a practice answer
Try "head over heels" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.