to have one's head read
- idiom
- Offensive
:
estar loco
- After that strange behavior, I think he needs to have his head read.
Examples
-
When she agreed to the dare, her friends joked she ought to have her head read.
-
You should have your head read if you think that's a good idea!
-
After spending all that money, he began to wonder if he needed to have his head read.
-
You must be mad to quit your job now; you should have your head read.
-
After spending all that money, he began to wonder if he needed to have his head read.
-
When she agreed to the dare, her friends joked she ought to have her head read.
-
You must be mad to quit your job now; you should have your head read.
Synonyms
14
7.3
To be unable to think clearly because you are very worried or upset
6
7.0
To not be able to think clearly because you are very tired, angry, or confused
5
9.1
Showing poor judgment or not thinking clearly
3
8.8
Behave in a very foolish way without thinking clearly
1
8.6
To become so angry or stressed that you cannot think clearly
1
9.8
Acting or feeling very silly and not thinking clearly, often as a joke
1
6.4
To become very upset and unable to think clearly
To start behaving in a strange and out of control way
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'head' (mind) and 'read' (interpret) combined with the causative pattern 'have one's X done' transparently suggest arranging for someone's mind or judgement to be examined, so a learner who knows the words can grasp the general idea. However, the conventionalized sense—used as a reproach meaning 'you are crazy' or 'you ought to have your sanity checked'—is a pragmatic, culturally specific nuance that is not fully predictable from the parts alone.
Etymology
Have one's head read may come from the idea of a doctor 'reading' someone's head like a book to check the mind. So when people say it now, they mean someone is 'acting strangely' or 'crazy'.