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

Stokes' absence as a leader and all-rounder have been noticeable as England head for their third successive defeat in Tests at The Oval.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026

As most mountaineers attempt the ascent with the help of at least one Nepali guide, about a thousand climbers are expected to head for the summit in the next few days.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

If the answer is not a clear yes, then you might want to head for the door.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Despite this sequel’s thin and rote stretches, it once again closes strong with a few images that will stick in your head for at least a week or two.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

“But because the danger is of my own choosing, I must head for my chosen destination freely and without ties.”

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Related Words

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