Wrap your head around something

Definitions

• Understand something complex or difficult to comprehend
  Used to indicate a challenging or complicated concept or idea that requires effort to fully grasp or comprehend

• Accept or come to terms with something
  Used to describe the process of mentally processing and accepting a difficult or unexpected situation or circumstance

Examples of Wrap your head around something

• I've been trying to wrap my head around this complex concept all day, but it's still giving me a headache.

  This idiom is used when trying to understand something that is difficult to comprehend. It implies that the person is trying to mentally grasp the concept, as if they are physically wrapping their head around it.

• After hearing the news, I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that he had betrayed me.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a sentence where the person is struggling to come to terms with a surprising or unexpected event.

• I've been wrapping my head around the idea that we might have to move to a new city for my job.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a sentence where the person is trying to mentally prepare themselves for a potentially challenging situation.

• I've been wrapping my head around the concept of forgiveness lately, trying to understand how to let go of anger and resentment.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a sentence where the person is trying to understand a concept that is important to them, such as forgiveness.

• I've been wrapping my head around the idea that sometimes, it's better to let go and move on.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a sentence where the person is trying to come to terms with a difficult decision or situation.

Conclusion

The idiom "wrap your head around something" is used to express the idea of understanding or accepting something that is complex or difficult to comprehend. It can be used in a literal sense, such as trying to comprehend a complicated concept or idea, or in a more figurative sense, such as coming to terms with a difficult situation.

Origin of "Wrap your head around something"

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the mid to late 20th century. It is a metaphorical expression, as the act of wrapping one's head around something is not physically possible. It is likely derived from the idea of wrapping one's mind around something, which dates back to at least the 19th century.

One theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the phrase "wrap one's brains around something," which was used in the 1800s to describe the act of trying to understand a complex issue. Over time, this phrase evolved into "wrap one's head around something," which is still commonly used today.

Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the physical act of wrapping one's head with a scarf or cloth, which was commonly used to keep warm in colder climates. This action may have been associated with the idea of trying to contain or understand something complex or difficult.

Overall, the origin of the idiom "wrap your head around something" may be a combination of these theories or may have simply evolved over time through common usage. Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom remains a popular and versatile expression in the English language.