Meaning
To be completely and intensely in love with someone.
Cultural Background
In the US, being 'head over heels' is often celebrated as the ideal state for a new couple. It is frequently seen in 'Rom-Com' movies where characters make grand, impulsive gestures. British English uses the phrase similarly, but sometimes with a touch of 'understated' irony. A friend might say 'You're a bit head over heels, aren't you?' as a gentle tease. On platforms like Instagram or TikTok, #headoverheels is a popular hashtag for engagement photos and anniversary posts. It is a 'visual' idiom often paired with heart emojis. In older English literature, you might find the original 'heels over head.' Reading it in a book from the 1600s usually means someone literally fell down, not that they are in love.
Use 'for'
Always remember: head over heels FOR someone. Using 'with' is okay but 'for' is more natural.
Not for family
We don't usually use this for parents or children. It is almost strictly romantic.
Meaning
To be completely and intensely in love with someone.
Use 'for'
Always remember: head over heels FOR someone. Using 'with' is okay but 'for' is more natural.
Not for family
We don't usually use this for parents or children. It is almost strictly romantic.
Add 'falling'
Use 'falling head over heels' to describe the exciting start of a relationship.
Song lyrics
Listen for this in pop songs! It's one of the most common idioms in music history.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
I can't stop thinking about her. I think I'm falling head over _______.
The full idiom is 'head over heels.'
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct option:
The idiom is primarily used for romantic love for a person.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'head over heels'?
This shows the intense, sudden love the idiom describes.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Is Mark still dating that girl?' B: 'Dating? He's _______ for her! He bought her a diamond ring!'
This is the standard form of the idiom.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Match the following:
While all relate to love, 'head over heels' is the most common idiom for intense devotion.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Head over Heels'
Romantic
- • Weddings
- • First Dates
- • Anniversaries
Non-Romantic
- • New Hobbies
- • Dream Jobs
- • Favorite Songs
Practice Bank
5 exercisesI can't stop thinking about her. I think I'm falling head over _______.
The full idiom is 'head over heels.'
Choose the correct option:
The idiom is primarily used for romantic love for a person.
Which situation best fits 'head over heels'?
This shows the intense, sudden love the idiom describes.
A: 'Is Mark still dating that girl?' B: 'Dating? He's _______ for her! He bought her a diamond ring!'
This is the standard form of the idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
While all relate to love, 'head over heels' is the most common idiom for intense devotion.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better to say 'I'm crazy about my new car.'
It is always plural: 'heels'.
Not at all! It is used every day in modern English.
Yes, this is a very common and perfect way to use the phrase.
No, it is 99% used figuratively for love.
There isn't a direct idiom, but you could say someone is 'indifferent' or 'cold.'
Yes, it is gender-neutral. Anyone can be head over heels.
No, it is too informal and emotional for professional emails.
Because when you do a somersault, your heels go over your head. The phrase just got flipped over time!
Both are used, but 'for' is more common in American English.
Related Phrases
fall for someone
similarTo start to love someone.
smitten
synonymVery attracted to someone.
crazy about
synonymTo like someone very much.
blinded by love
builds onNot seeing faults because of love.
puppy love
contrastYoung, shallow love.
