over one's head

Idioms  

1. To a position higher than another's, as in She was furious when her assistant was promoted over her head . Similarly, go over someone's head means “appeal to a higher authority,” as in Since she couldn't help me, I decided to go over her head and talk to her supervisor . [Mid-1500s]

2. Beyond one's understanding or competence, as in The math required to complete these figures is way over my head . [Early 1600s] For a synonym, see out of one's depth . Also see in deep (over one's head) .

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Example Sentences

Paralyzing traffic is one symptom; the increasingly absurd price of putting a roof over one’s head is another.

From New York Times • May 7, 2018

Pouring a bucket of ice water over one’s head, quite frankly, is.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2014

For others, any roof over one’s head is better than none.

From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2011

For cash-squeezed consumers by the millions, shopping on credit for everything from a new suit of clothing, to cars, kitchen appliances, even a roof over one's head, is increasingly painful.

From Time Magazine Archive

"But it is so charming to swim in the water," said the Duckling, "so nice to feel it go over one's head, and to dive down to the bottom!"

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 2 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright