“Head Over Heels” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 5, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever heard the term ‘head over heels’ used in a conversation and wondered what the person was talking about? We are going to look at the meaning behind this phrase and where it originally came from. We will also take a look at how the phrase can be used in our day to day conversations.

“Head Over Heels” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “head over heels” means to be completely and deeply in love or to be extremely excited about something. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed with strong, positive emotions, particularly in the context of romantic love.
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Head Over Heels – Created by 7ESL

“Head Over Heels” Meaning

The phrase “head over heels” means to be deeply in love or infatuated with someone. It conveys a sense of overwhelming emotion and excitement, often implying that the person has fallen so hard for someone that they feel as if they are turned upside down—hence “head over heels.”

Examples:

  • “Ever since they started dating, he’s been head over heels for her.”
  • “She was head over heels in love after their first date.”

Origin of this Idiom

The idiom “head over heels” has a long history, with its origins dating back to at least the 14th century. Here’s a brief overview of its evolution:

Historical Background:

  • Early Usage: The phrase originally appeared in the form “heels over head,” which described a state of being turned upside down. This literal interpretation implies a sense of disorientation or being overwhelmed, which can be likened to the feeling of being in love.
  • Shift in Meaning: Over time, the phrase evolved to the more commonly used “head over heels,” which retains the sense of being turned upside down but shifts the focus to the feeling of being completely captivated or in love.
  • Literary References: The idiom gained popularity in English literature and poetry. One of the earliest known uses is found in the poem “The Complaints of a Lover” by Sir Philip Sidney in the late 1500s, which uses a form of the phrase to describe the feeling of being completely in love.
  • Modern Usage: Today, “head over heels” is widely understood to mean being deeply and romantically in love, often to the point of being irrationally or blissfully overwhelmed by one’s feelings.

Usage of “Head Over Heels”

  • In a romantic context:

“She fell head over heels for him after their first date.”

  • Describing intense excitement:

“He was head over heels about getting the job offer from his dream company.”

  • Talking about a relationship:

“They’re still head over heels for each other even after ten years of marriage.”

  • Referring to a newfound passion:

“She’s head over heels in love with photography and spends all her free time capturing beautiful moments.”

Related Terms to “Head Over Heels”

  • Infatuated – experiencing an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone.
  • Madly in love – being completely and passionately in love with someone.
  • Smitten – deeply affected by love or infatuation.
  • Enamored – filled with a feeling of love for someone.
  • Besotted – strongly infatuated or obsessed with someone.
  • Love-struck – overwhelmed by love or admiration for someone.
  • Crazy about – having an intense affection or attraction for someone.
  • Head over heels in love – a fuller version emphasizing the depth of love.
  • Falling for – starting to develop strong feelings of love for someone.
  • Taken with – being captivated or charmed by someone.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are plenty of other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘head over heels.’ Here are some examples of other things you could say that would carry the same meaning.

“Head Over Heels” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made by a girlfriend to her boyfriend.

  • ‘I am so glad that we met, I have never been so head over heels in love in my entire life.’

Here is a statement made in a newspaper article

  • ‘The couple were married at the lake last weekend, they were very much head over heels in love with one another.’

Interesting examples:

  • He’s fallen head over heels in love with his boss.
  • Sam was head over heels in love with his new bride.
  • Sam was obviously head over heels in love with his new bride, and Martha was clearly content.
  • I was very attracted to men and fell head over heels many times.
  • I have head over heels in love with a wonderful woman.

Conversation Examples

The term ‘head over heels’ may be heard many times in conversations. Here are some examples of ways in which it might fit in.

This first conversation is happening between two friends. when talking about one friend’s new partner.

  • Person 1: “How long have you been dating Simon for?”
  • Person 2: “A little over six months now.”
  • Person 1: “And are you happy together?”
  • Person 2: “I am absolutely head over heels in love with him.”

Here is a conversation between a father and his potential son in law.

  • Person 1: “I would like to take your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
  • Person 2: “How do I know that you will take good care of her?”
  • Person 1: “Because I have fallen head over heels in love with her and I would do anything to make her happy.”
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