# hold over someone's head

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-over-someones-head
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To harp on; to remind continuously (especially of a misstep or defeat).

## Examples

- Stop holding that mistake over my head.
- She keeps holding my failed exam over my head, even though I passed the retake.
- Years after the scandal, political rivals still held the senator's ill-judged remarks over his head at every opportunity.

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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.