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Glite Dictionary
to have one's head screwed on

to have one's head screwed on

1 7.4
Able to think and act in a sensible, practical way
  • idiom
  • UK
translation icon : tener los pies en la tierra
  • I swear if I didn't have my head screwed on...
  • have your head screwed on straight
  • have your head screwed on right

Examples

  • I swear if I didn't have my head screwed on...

    One Missed Call (2008)

  • After a few years in the job, he really has his head screwed on about what needs to be done.

  • You have your head screwed on right.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • But on economics, on history, on foreign policy, I think the man has his head screwed on mostly straight.

    Blog text (34)

  • Get straight with your husband and kids, let them know you didn't have your head screwed on straight for a while.

    Blog text (19)

  • Well, at least someone there in Redmond has his head screwed on right; too bad he's not in charge.

    Blog text (14)

  • Sometimes talent's not enough if you don't have your head screwed on properly and people you can trust around you, like I had, and like Ronaldo and Kaká have had.

    Blog text (26)

  • It is important to have your head screwed on if you want to succeed in this project.

  • She always has her head screwed on, making practical decisions in tough situations.

Synonyms

savvy
vsto have one's head screwed on
  • Informal
114 4.4

Having practical knowledge and good judgment in a specific area

is broader, covering general sensible decision making across contexts
good head on one's shoulders
vsto have one's head screwed on
  • Informal
5 5.9

A person who thinks carefully and makes sensible choices

focuses on sensible decision making rather than broad common sense
levelheaded
vsto have one's head screwed on
3 4.2

Able to think clearly, stay calm, and make good decisions in difficult situations

is more about general practical judgment, not only calmness under pressure
head screwed on straight
vsto have one's head screwed on
  • Informal
2 6.9

A person who has good judgment and common sense

is the same meaning but uses a different informal phrasing
hardheaded
vsto have one's head screwed on
1 5.5

Practical and realistic, using facts and experience

is more about sensible decision making, not just factual realism
to use one's head
vsto have one's head screwed on
  • Informal
3.7

To think carefully and act sensibly

describes the ongoing quality of sensible judgment rather than a single act

Antonyms

foolish
505 1.3

Not showing good sense and making unwise choices

Surface Forms

have one's head screwed on infinitive
had one's head screwed on past
had one's head screwed on past participle
having one's head screwed on present participle
has one's head screwed on third person singular

Morphology

have + one + head + screwed + on

The expression evokes the literal image of a head being 'screwed on' (securely attached), so a learner who knows 'head', 'screw(ed)' and 'on' can plausibly infer a metaphorical sense of being mentally 'put together' and sensible. However this is a figurative, idiomatic extension rather than straightforward composition, so the link is partial and not fully predictable without exposure.

Etymology

Have one's head screwed on may come from the image of a doll or machine whose head is tightly screwed on so it stays still and works properly. That's why someone who 'has their head screwed on' is 'sensible' and 'able to make good decisions'.