PhrasesHub

Head over heels

    Definitions

      • To be deeply in love with someone
        To express the intensity of one's feelings for someone, often in a romantic or infatuated sense

      • To be in a state of chaos or disarray
        To describe a situation where things are out of control or in disarray, often used in a negative or chaotic sense

      • To be completely engrossed or absorbed in something
        To convey the idea of being fully immersed or focused on something, often used in a positive or enthusiastic sense

    Examples of Head over heels

    • She fell head over heels for him as soon as she met him.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is deeply and passionately in love. It means that the person is so infatuated that they seem to be tumbling over themselves in their enthusiasm. The phrase "head over heels" is often used literally to describe someone who has tripped and fallen in such a way, but in this case, it is used figuratively to convey the intensity of the person's feelings.

    • The company's stock has been falling head over heels since the announcement of their financial troubles.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe a rapid and dramatic decrease in value or worth. It implies that the decrease is so steep that it seems as though the object in question is tumbling end over end.

    • I'm head over heels for this new hobby of mine.

      This example shows that the idiom can also be used to describe someone's enthusiasm for an activity or interest, rather than just romantic love.

    • The sales figures took a nosedive head over heels after the launch of the competitor's product.

      This example shows that the idiom can be used to describe a sudden and steep decline in a variety of contexts, not just financial ones.

    • The politician's reputation took a hit head over heels after the scandal broke.

      This example shows that the idiom can be used to describe a sudden and dramatic decrease in reputation or standing, rather than just financial value.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "head over heels" has multiple meanings, but they are all related to extreme states or emotions. The most common usage is to express intense love or infatuation for someone, often in a romantic sense. It can also be used to describe a chaotic or out of control situation, as well as to convey complete immersion or absorption in something.

    Origin of "Head over heels"

    The origin of this idiom is unclear, but there are a few theories about its origins. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea of a person being so in love that they are figuratively spinning or tumbling head over heels. Another theory suggests that it may have originated from the phrase "heels over head," which meant to fall or tumble. Over time, this phrase evolved into "head over heels" and took on the meaning of being completely in love or consumed by something.

    The earliest known usage of this idiom can be traced back to the late 1700s in a letter written by English author Laurence Sterne. However, it didn't become a commonly used phrase until the 1800s. It has since become a popular expression, used in both formal and informal contexts to convey strong emotions or chaotic situations.

    In conclusion, the idiom "head over heels" is a versatile and commonly used phrase with multiple meanings. Its origins are uncertain, but it has been in use for centuries and continues to be a popular expression in the English language.