Significado
To be sensible, practical, and responsible in one's decisions and actions.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is linked to the 'esprit cartésien' (Cartesian mind). French education emphasizes logic and structured thinking from a young age. While 'avoir la tête sur les épaules' is used, Quebecers also frequently use 'avoir les deux pieds sur terre' to emphasize being grounded. In many West African cultures, this phrase is used to show deep respect for a young person who honors their family through responsible behavior. Used identically to France, often in business contexts to describe a reliable partner who doesn't take unnecessary risks.
Use it in interviews
It's a great 'power phrase' to describe your work ethic without sounding arrogant.
Singular vs Plural
Remember: one head (la tête), two shoulders (les épaules).
Significado
To be sensible, practical, and responsible in one's decisions and actions.
Use it in interviews
It's a great 'power phrase' to describe your work ethic without sounding arrogant.
Singular vs Plural
Remember: one head (la tête), two shoulders (les épaules).
The 'Garder' trick
Use 'garder' if you want to talk about a specific moment of stress.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
Il est très sérieux, il a la ____ sur les ____.
The idiom is 'avoir la tête sur les épaules'.
Which verb is most commonly used with this idiom to describe a permanent personality trait?
____ la tête sur les épaules.
We use 'avoir' for the trait and 'garder' for the action of staying calm.
Match the situation to the meaning of the phrase.
Situation: A young man saves 20% of his salary every month.
Saving money is a sign of being sensible and responsible.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Je veux quitter mon travail sans économies.' B: 'Fais attention, tu devrais ____.'
B is advising A to be more sensible.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIl est très sérieux, il a la ____ sur les ____.
The idiom is 'avoir la tête sur les épaules'.
____ la tête sur les épaules.
We use 'avoir' for the trait and 'garder' for the action of staying calm.
Situation: A young man saves 20% of his salary every month.
Saving money is a sign of being sensible and responsible.
A: 'Je veux quitter mon travail sans économies.' B: 'Fais attention, tu devrais ____.'
B is advising A to be more sensible.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's grammatically correct but sounds less natural. Idioms usually use 'la' and 'les'.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or at work.
Yes, it's a common way to say a child is very mature for their age.
The most common opposite is 'avoir la tête dans les nuages' (to have one's head in the clouds).
Not necessarily 'book smart,' but definitely 'life smart' and responsible.
Yes: 'Il a toujours eu la tête sur les épaules.'
Yes, e.g., 'Je suis quelqu'un qui a la tête sur les épaules.'
Very common in dramas and family movies to describe reliable characters.
No, that sounds like you are leaning your head on someone's shoulder to sleep!
You can say someone is 'carré' (square/reliable).
Frases relacionadas
Avoir les pieds sur terre
synonymTo be down-to-earth.
Garder son sang-froid
similarTo keep one's cool.
Perdre la tête
contrastTo lose one's mind or go crazy.
Avoir la tête dans les nuages
contrastTo have one's head in the clouds.
