go to someone’s head: Idiom Meaning and Origin

One commonly used idiom in English is "go to someone's head." This idiom refers to a sudden change in behavior or attitude due to newfound success or praise. It suggests that when someone becomes intoxicated with their own achievements or recognition, it can cloud their judgment and impair their ability to remain grounded and level-headed.

The idiom "go to someone's head" can be traced back to the physical sensation of feeling lightheaded or dizzy. It metaphorically extends this sensory experience to the realm of emotions and psychology, implying that success or praise can have a negative effect on a person's character, causing them to become arrogant or egotistical.

So how does this idiom relate to other idioms in the English language? Let's explore a few related idioms to gain a better understanding.

The first related idiom is "big head." When someone's achievements go to their head, they may develop a big head. This means that they become conceited and believe they are better than others. It reflects a sense of superiority and self-importance that can arise from a person's newfound success or recognition.

Another related idiom is "go over someone's head." This idiom means to bypass someone in authority or to ignore their input. When someone's success or achievements go to their head, they may start disregarding the opinions and ideas of others, thinking that they know best.

"hand someone his head" is another related idiom. It means to defeat or humiliate someone thoroughly. When someone's success or praise goes to their head and they become arrogant or egotistical, they may be headed for a downfall. Their behavior and attitude may alienate others, leading to their ultimate defeat or humiliation.

"do someone's head in" is yet another related idiom. It means to annoy or bother someone to the point of frustration. When someone's achievements or success go to their head, they may start bragging or displaying a superior attitude, which can irritate and bother others, leading to their frustration.

Finally, there is the idiom "bite someone's head off." This idiom means to respond to someone with anger or irritability. When someone's success or recognition goes to their head, they may become more easily agitated or irritable. They may respond to others in an aggressive or rude manner, biting their heads off.

Understanding these related idioms can help us grasp the full meaning and implications of the phrase "go to someone's head." It goes beyond a simple change in behavior or attitude; it also highlights the potential negative effects of success and praise on an individual's character and relationships.

Whether it's the development of a big head, the disregard of others' opinions, the possibility of defeat and humiliation, the frustration it can cause, or the potential for aggression and rudeness, the idiom "go to someone's head" reminds us to remain humble and grounded even in the face of success. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the pitfalls of excess pride and self-importance.

The idiom "go to someone's head" is a versatile expression that can be applied to various contexts, including professional success, personal relationships, and even substance abuse. It can help us understand the impact of success on a person's behavior and can serve as a reminder to maintain humility and perspective throughout our own journeys.