# top-heavy with drink

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/top-heavy-with-drink
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

drunk

## Examples

- He was top-heavy with drink and could barely walk.
- After the long wedding reception, several guests were top-heavy with drink and needed taxis home.
- The reveler stumbled out of the tavern, clearly top-heavy with drink, and struggled to maintain his balance on the uneven cobblestones.

## Origin

US, late 19th century. Due to staggering walk when drunk; compare brick in one's hat.

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