Eight Italian expressions with the word testa – head

Our head is considered one of the most important parts of our body.

So, it’s not surprising that in Italy we have many Italian expressions with the word testa – head. And all of them are widely used.

So, let’s see eight Italian expressions with the word testa.

1. A testa alta

Someone who cammina a testa alta indicates someone who displays confidence, usually to show that he is not ashamed of himself or of something.

Ex: Cammina a testa alta, tu non hai fatto niente di sbagliato
Hold your head up, you did nothing wrong

2. Far entrare in testa

The Italian expression far entrare in testa means to make someone understand something or to make something stick in his mind. This expression is mainly used in negative sentences.

Examples:

a. Non riesco a fargli entrare in testa che guidare da ubriachi è pericoloso e irresponsabile
I can’t persuade him that driving when you’re drunk is dangerous and irresponsible

b. Il congiuntivo proprio non gli entra in testa. E’ da due settimane che lo sta studiando
He still can’t remember the subjunctive. He’s been studying it for two weeks now

3. Avere la testa dura

This is one of the most used Italian expressions with the word testa. Avere la testa dura means to be stubborn, to refuse to change your mind.

Ex: Gliel’ho detto ma Marisa ha la testa dura, non ascolta!
I told her but Marisa is stubborn, she doesn’t listen!

4. Avere la testa fra le nuvole

Avere la testa fra le nuvole means to be distracted, absent-minded, usually because you are day dreaming.

Ex: Matteo ha sempre la testa fra le nuvole, sarà innamorato
Matteo has always his head in the clouds, he must be in love

5. Avere la testa sulle spalle

One of the most common Italian expressions with the word testa is avere la testa sulle spalle.

It means to be responsible, to act in a wise, smart and sensible way.

Ex: Non c’è da preoccuparsi, Luca è un ragazzo con la testa sulle spalle, di lui ci si può fidare
You don’t have to worry, Luca has his head screwed on, you can trust him

6. Averne fin sopra la testa

Averne fin sopra la testa means that you’re so annoyed by a behavior or a situation that your patience is over.

Ex: Ne ho fin sopra la testa del suo atteggiamento
I’m fed up to the back teeth with her behavior

7. Levarsi/togliersi dalla testa

Another very used Italian expression is levarsi/togliersi dalla testa qualcosa/qualcuno.

This expression means to make an effort to forget something/someone, to give up something or to stop thinking about something/someone.

Examples:

a. E’ finita. Devi togliertela dalla testa, non puoi pensare continuamente a lei
It’s over. You’ve to get her out of your mind, you can’t keep thinking about her

b. Togliti dalla testa di andare a quel concerto. Sei in punizione!
Don’t you even think about going to that concert. You’re grounded!

8. Montarsi la testa

Montarsi la testa is another of the most common Italian expressions with the word testa.

Montarsi la testa means to become conceited to have a high opinion of yourself, too high.

Ex: Dopo che ha vinto la gara si è montato la testa
After he won the race, he got big-headed

 

How many of these Italian expressions did you already know?

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Credits

Original image by KELLEPICS