Signification
To have many worries.
Contexte culturel
The 'head' is often seen as the place where 'σκοτούρες' (dark thoughts/worries) reside. Clearing one's head often involves 'ξεσκάσιμο' (bursting out/getting fresh air). In Cypriot Greek, the phrase is used similarly, but you might hear 'έχω πολλές δουλειές μες την κεφαλή μου' with slight dialectal variations in prepositions. Being 'busy' is often a social currency. Admitting to having 'works in your head' can be a way of showing you are important or in demand. Second-generation Greeks often translate this literally into English as 'I have jobs in my head,' which can confuse native English speakers.
Use 'Χίλιες' for emphasis
Greeks love hyperbole. Saying 'έχω χίλιες (1000) δουλειές στο κεφάλι μου' makes you sound much more native.
Don't use with 'είμαι'
Never say 'Είμαι δουλειές στο κεφάλι μου.' It's always 'Έχω' (I have).
Signification
To have many worries.
Use 'Χίλιες' for emphasis
Greeks love hyperbole. Saying 'έχω χίλιες (1000) δουλειές στο κεφάλι μου' makes you sound much more native.
Don't use with 'είμαι'
Never say 'Είμαι δουλειές στο κεφάλι μου.' It's always 'Έχω' (I have).
The 'Head' Gesture
When saying this, Greeks often tap their temple or rub their forehead to emphasize the mental weight.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Συγγνώμη που δεν σε πήρα τηλέφωνο, αλλά είχα πολλές _______ στο _______ μου.
The idiom specifically uses the plural 'δουλειές' and the noun 'κεφάλι'.
Which sentence best describes someone who is mentally overwhelmed?
Ο Γιάννης είναι πολύ αγχωμένος γιατί...
The plural 'δουλειές' with the verb 'έχει' is the correct idiomatic form.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your boss asks if you can take on a new project, but you are already overbooked.
This is a polite and professional way to use the idiom to set a boundary.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΣυγγνώμη που δεν σε πήρα τηλέφωνο, αλλά είχα πολλές _______ στο _______ μου.
The idiom specifically uses the plural 'δουλειές' and the noun 'κεφάλι'.
Ο Γιάννης είναι πολύ αγχωμένος γιατί...
The plural 'δουλειές' with the verb 'έχει' is the correct idiomatic form.
Situation: Your boss asks if you can take on a new project, but you are already overbooked.
This is a polite and professional way to use the idiom to set a boundary.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot necessarily, but it is informal. It's better to use it with a boss you have a good relationship with. Otherwise, use 'φόρτος εργασίας' (workload).
You can, and people will understand you, but it's not the standard idiom. 'Κεφάλι' is much more common for this specific expression.
In this context, it means tasks, errands, or responsibilities. It's broader than just your professional job.
You say 'βγάζω τις δουλειές από το κεφάλι μου.'
Expressions liées
έχω πολλά στο κεφάλι μου
synonymI have many things on my mind.
έχω σκοτούρες
similarI have worries/troubles.
τρέχω και δεν φτάνω
similarI'm running and not arriving.
καθαρό κεφάλι
contrastA clear head.
