What does "head over heels" mean?

Deeply in love or infatuated with someone, to the point of losing your equilibrium. The image is literal - head over heels (rolling in that position) means completely upended. Metaphorically, it means falling deeply and losing your sense of balance. It describes romantic love that's all-consuming and obvious to everyone.

Natives use this phrase to describe intense romantic love or infatuation. It's warm and romantic language - being "head over heels" is enviable and beautiful. You'll hear it about new relationships (the honeymoon phase), about crushes (when infatuation is obvious), or about deep love. It's positive and affectionate.

A colleague has recently started dating and is very happy. Everyone notices as they say, "She's head over heels - it's lovely to see." Recognising obvious new love.

Your friend can't stop talking about someone they just met. You observe, "You're absolutely head over heels with this person!" Teasing about obvious infatuation.

In a romantic context: "He was head over heels in love with her, and the feeling was mutual." Description of mutual deep love.

• In love: Similar meaning but "head over heels" is more intense and obvious.
• Infatuated: Related but less necessarily real love, more surface attraction.
• Smitten: Very similar meaning, equally romantic.

• Using it for mild affection: "Head over heels" requires genuine, obvious, deep love.
• Forgetting it's romantic: It's specifically about romantic love, not other types.
• Using it sarcastically: The phrase is positive, sarcasm would be confusing.

Most common predicative: "She's head over heels." Can use with preposition: "head over heels in love," "head over heels for someone." Past: "They were head over heels." Present: "He's head over heels with this new relationship." Can modify: "absolutely head over heels," "completely head over heels."

Very casual and romantic. Works in personal contexts. Affectionate and loving tone.

[love], [infatuation], [smitten]