# old head on young shoulders

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/old-head-on-young-shoulders
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of good head on one's shoulders.

## Examples

- She is only ten, but she has an old head on young shoulders.
- The young manager handled the crisis with such wisdom that everyone remarked she had an old head on young shoulders.
- Despite his tender years, the boy displayed a maturity that suggested an old head on young shoulders, often offering advice that surpassed the experience of his elders.

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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.