Head over heels
Meaning
To be completely and utterly in love with someone, often to the point of infatuation.
Origin
The phrase "head over heels" wasn't always about love; it began as "heels over head" in the 14th century, a vivid description of someone tumbling headfirst or being utterly disoriented. Imagine a clumsy knight falling off his horse – "heels over head" he went! Over centuries, the phrase gradually inverted itself to "head over heels," still describing a state of disarray or being completely turned around. By the late 18th century, this feeling of complete surrender and delightful disorientation became inextricably linked with the powerful, overwhelming sensation of falling deeply in love, where one's entire world, from "head to heels," is consumed by another.
Examples
- Ever since he met Sarah, John has been head over heels for her, constantly talking about their future.
- After their first date, she realized she was falling head over heels and couldn't stop thinking about him.