over one's head



over one's head

1. To a position higher than another's, as in She was furious when her assistant was promoted over her head. Similarly, go over someone's head means "appeal to a higher authority," as in Since she couldn't help me, I decided to go over her head and talk to her supervisor. [Mid-1500s]
2. Beyond one's understanding or competence, as in The math required to complete these figures is way over my head. [Early 1600s] For a synonym, see out of one's depth. Also see in deep (over one's head).
See also: head

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Mattheus-Biblical Latin
Sakhr-Arabic
Sarra-Biblical Greek, Biblical Latin, Old Church Slavic
MartheMAHRT (French)French, Norwegian
Porphyrios-Ancient Greek
BunnyBUN-eeEnglish