head for

British  

verb

1. to go or cause to go (towards)

2. to be destined for

   to head for trouble

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head for Idioms  

1. Proceed or go in a certain direction, as in I'm heading for town, or I believe Karen and Jane are heading for a big quarrel. This expression, which uses head in the sense of “advance toward,” is occasionally amplified with a figurative destination, especially in the American West. For example, head for the hills means “to run away to high and safer ground” or “to flee from danger.” It is often used facetiously, as in Here comes that old bore—head for the hills! Head for the setting sun alludes to where a wanted man or outlaw went when a law-enforcement agent was close behind him, that is, farther west, and head for the last roundup means “to die.” [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

head for

Phillipson and Powell went head to head for the deputy leader position last year, after a race triggered by Angela Rayner's resignation, with Powell emerging victorious following 54% support from the party membership, external.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

The open bar at the reception ended up costing $62,500—$250 a head for 250 guests—so they chose not to have one at all seven events.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

“I’ve been carrying it around in my head for 30 years,” Was said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026

The White House later announced changed travel plans for Trump, saying he would no longer head for planned weekend trip to his New Jersey golf resort and would stay in the US capital instead.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

Gum Baby stood on my shoulder, one sticky hand on my head for balance.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

Related Words

• advance
• blow
• carry
• change
• climb
• cross
• drift
• drive
• flow
• fly
• go
• jump
• leave
• migrate
• proceed
• progress
• propel
• push
• relocate
• remove