# live rent-free in someone's head

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/live-rent-free-in-someones-head
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be the perpetual focus of someone's thoughts, with that person having no control over this situation.

## Examples

- That annoying comment lives rent-free in my head.
- Even though the argument ended weeks ago, his rude words still live rent-free in my head.
- Despite her efforts to move on, the memory of that failure continues to live rent-free in her head, haunting her every time she attempts a new project.

## Origin

Often attributed to American advice columnist Eppie Lederer (1918–2002), who used it in her syndicated advice column in 1990.

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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.