fall head over heels

The phrase fall head over heels is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of fall head over heels.

Meaning of "fall head over heels"

Meaning

The idiom ‘fall head over heels’ is used to describe the feeling of suddenly becoming very strongly emotionally attached to someone. It implies intense, passionate love and is often used to describe the excitement of falling in love. It is a euphoric and overwhelming feeling that takes over the person being described.

Etymology

The exact origin of the phrase is unknown, but it is believed to have been in use as early as the 14th century. The phrase ‘head over heels’ appeared in the works of William Langland in 1377, where it is used to describe someone who is falling down a mountain. This phrase then became used to describe someone who has repeated falls, suggesting that they might be falling in love. In the 16th century, the phrase ‘fall head over heels’ was used to describe someone who was passionate in love.

Usage

‘Fall head over heels’ is used to describe the feeling of falling deeply in love or becoming very strongly emotionally attached to someone. It implies a passionate and uncontrollable feeling of love, and is often used to express excitement about a new relationship. The phrase can also be used to describe a situation where someone is completely taken by someone else, and is unable to resist the attraction.

Example Sentences

• I fell head over heels for him the moment I saw him.
• She was completely taken by him, and fell head over heels in love.
• She was completely overwhelmed when she fell head over heels for him.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.