head over heels
Meaning
Completely in love or extremely excited about someone or something.
Origin
Originally the phrase was “heels over head,” describing a person tumbling headfirst (literally upside down). Over time it flipped to “head over heels,” and the sense shifted to being overwhelmed—especially by love.
Notes
Often romantic (“madly in love”), slightly hyperbolic and casual. Can also mean very enthusiastic about a thing, but romance is the default implication.
Examples
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I fell head over heels for her the moment we started talking.
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He’s head over heels in love with his new partner.
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They were head over heels after their first date and couldn’t stop texting.
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She went head over heels for the little puppy at the shelter.
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I didn’t expect to fall head over heels, but the city completely won me over.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Common patterns: “be head over heels in love (with X)” and “fall head over heels (for X).” Usually not used literally; fixed form, no article. “Head over heel” is incorrect.
Synonyms
- madly in love
- smitten
- infatuated
- crazy about
- enamored
Antonyms
- indifferent
- unimpressed
- apathetic