Go to your head: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Go to your head” mean?

"Go to your head" means that something has caused someone to become arrogant or conceited.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Winning that award really went to his head; now he thinks he's better than everyone else.

Example

Don't let success go to your head; stay humble and grounded.

Example

Her promotion went to her head and now she treats her colleagues with disdain

Is “Go to your head” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Go to your head” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Go to your head” effectively in context?

You can use "Go to your head" to describe someone becoming arrogant or conceited due to success or recognition. It emphasizes the negative change in attitude and behavior. For example, if a friend starts acting superior after winning a competition, you might say, 'Winning that award really went to his head; now he thinks he's better than everyone else.'

• 1. Achievement

  After receiving a promotion, she started treating her colleagues poorly. Success really went to her head.

• 2. Competition

  He used to be humble, but winning multiple championships went to his head and now he's arrogant.

• 3. Recognition

  Don't let fame go to your head; remember to stay humble and grounded.

Similar phrases to “Go to your head”:

Get a big head

To become arrogant or conceited due to success or recognition

Example

After winning the lottery, he got a big head and started treating his friends differently.

Let success get to one's head

To allow success or recognition to negatively affect one's attitude or behavior

Example

She let success get to her head and started acting superior to her colleagues.

Develop an inflated ego

To become excessively proud or self-important

Example

His achievements made him develop an inflated ego, and he started looking down on others.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Go to your head” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Go to your head" is unknown.

Is “Go to your head” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Go to your head" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who becomes arrogant or conceited after achieving success or receiving recognition.

What tone does “Go to your head” have?

"Go to your head" conveys a tone of warning or caution. It implies that allowing success or recognition to affect one's ego negatively can lead to negative consequences and damage relationships.

Can “Go to your head” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Go to your head" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific behavior. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Winning the championship really went to his head.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't let it "go to your head"!' to imply the need for humility.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• become conceited
• get arrogant
• develop a superiority complex
• act superior
• think highly of oneself

Antonyms

• stay humble
• remain grounded
• keep a level head
• be modest
• stay down-to-earth