use one's head
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
use one's head (third-person singular simple present uses one's head, present participle using one's head, simple past and past participle used one's head)
- (idiomatic) To think carefully, especially as an alternative to being guided by one's emotions.
- 1918, Stephen Leacock, "Back from the Land" in Frenzied Fiction:
- He never—so they agreed—uses his head. He never—I think I have their phrase correct—stops to think.
- 1957, Joyce Jackson, "Guide to Dating," Toledo Blade, p. 35, 13 March:
- When a girl falls in love, after first using her head to find a suitable mate to fall in love with, it is such a wonderful feeling.
- 2007, Chris Thornton, "A Belfast Father's Vindication," Time, 23 Jan.:
- Bound by that commitment, he used his head, channeling his rage into a determination to bring the killers to justice.
- 1918, Stephen Leacock, "Back from the Land" in Frenzied Fiction:
- (humorous) To headbutt.
Synonyms
- use one's noggin
Translations
to think carefully
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