Have your head in the clouds – Meaning
This idiom can be said in a variety of ways.
- You have your head in the clouds.
- He has his head in the clouds.
- She has her head in the clouds. etc
Note: When someone says this idiom, it is NOT a compliment.
Meaning of Have your head in the clouds
This idiom can be used in two situations:
MEANING 1
To be out of touch with the everyday world and to be unrealistic because of it.
To be living in a fantasy (world).
To have impractical ideas or dreams. Sometimes the person doesn’t know the facts or reality of the situation.
The opposite of this idiom could be:
- to have your feet on the ground
- to be level-headed
- to be down-to-earth
Examples
Mike thinks the company will pay for all of the expenses of his round-the-world trip. I think he has his head in the clouds. They would never do that!
A: I’m going to start learning how to play the guitar. I’m sure it will only take me a couple of months to learn.
B: You definitely have your head in the clouds! You’re going to need much longer than two months!
MEANING 2
To be daydreaming and not paying attention to what is happening around you right now.
You are physically present but your mind and thoughts are somewhere else.
You are distracted from the present.
This idiom is often used when the other person is not paying attention.
Example dialogue:
A: What do you think of the new book by Jack Johansen?
B: …. (silence)
A: Hey! Are you paying attention? Your head was in the clouds, wasn’t it?
B: Sorry, I was thinking about what I’m going to have for lunch.
Do you often have your head in the clouds?
