# head to toe

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/head-to-toe
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Entirely; completely; over one's full body.

## Examples

- The child was covered in mud from head to toe.
- After the heavy rain, the hikers arrived at the station soaked from head to toe.
- Dressed in an elaborate costume from head to toe, the actor transformed completely into the historical character for the opening night performance.

## Origin

From Middle English *heved to þe ton*, recorded as early as the late 14th century. The construction follows a standard Germanic pattern of spatial orientation, substituting the anatomical extremities for the whole of the subject.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.