ENGLISH
REFERENCE

talk over someone's head

idiom
Meaning

To communicate something beyond the level of comprehension of the target.


Examples
SIMPLE

The teacher talked over our heads during the science lesson.

CONTEXTUAL

The expert used so much technical jargon that he was clearly talking over the heads of the audience.

COMPLEX

By using complex legal terminology during the initial consultation, the lawyer inadvertently talked over his client's head, leaving her confused about her own case.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all talk and no cider

    All talk and no results.

  2. 02

    another nail in someone's coffin

    An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.

  3. 03

    answer someone's prayers

    To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  4. 04

    answer to someone's prayers

    Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  5. 05

    apple of someone's eye

    The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.

  6. 06

    bane of someone's existence

    Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.

  7. 07

    bang one's head against a brick wall

    To waste effort on a futile project.

  8. 08

    bang some heads together

    Attempt to get results from a previously ineffectual or argumentative group, typically by coercion or force.

Last updated July 12, 2026