over one's head

English

Pronunciation

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Adjective

over one’s head

1. (idiomatic) More complex or confusing than one can understand; beyond one’s comprehension.

   This is way over my head. Can you explain it more simply?

2. (idiomatic) More than one can handle; too much (especially in over one's head).

   I’m in over my head on this project. Can you help?

   • 2009, “I Can’t Feel My Face”, in Da Drought 3, performed by Lil Wayne:

     Fuck Waist Deep, I'm in over my head / But it's cool, I'ma make it, I'm Good like Meagan

3. (idiomatic, sports) Performing at a level greatly superior to one's usual level of performance.

   He just shot a spectacularly over his head round of golf and beat all of us.

4. (idiomatic, business) Directed to someone with authority over the person, so as to avoid requiring the approval of the person himself or herself.
   • 2005, Robert H. Vaughn, The Professional Trainer: A Comprehensive Guide, page 121:

     [Y]ou suspect that he's building a case to go over your head and talk to your boss about performance in your section.

5. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see over,‎ head.

Synonyms

• out of one's depth

Translations

more complex or confusing than one can understand

• Russian: выше чьего-либо понимания (vyše čʹjevo-libo ponimanija) (above one's understanding)

more than one can handle; too much

• Russian: выше чьих-либо сил (above one's strength/abilities), не по зубам (one's teeth are no match for this)
• Swedish: ta sig vatten över huvudet (sv)

performing in sports at a level greatly superior to one's usual level