Go to One’s Head, To
To be unduly influenced by praise or success. This expression, which likens the effect of praise to that of alcoholic beverages, dates from the 20th century. The OED cites its appearance in Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Niggers (published in the United States as And Then There Were None, 1939): “He’s played God Almighty for a good many months… That must go to a man’s head eventually.”
Related and Similar Terms
- Get a big head: Start to think too highly of oneself.
- Swell-headed: Overly impressed with oneself.
- Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence.
- Pride comes before a fall: Proverbs 16:18, a warning against overconfidence.
- Ego trip: A journey fueled by one’s sense of self-importance.
Synonyms
- Arrogance
- Conceit
- Vanity
- Smugness
Antonyms
- Humility
- Modesty
- Self-effacement
- Down-to-earth
Humor-Filled Quotes
“The only way to avoid having your head go above the clouds is to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground… or at least tied to a rock!” — Anonymous
“If success goes to your head, you might want to check if your hat still fits!” — W.T. Wittywords
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - A masterclass in character overinflation.
- Song: “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon - About a person with the world’s largest metaphorical hat size.
- Movie: The Devil Wears Prada - The rise and hyperinflated ego of a fashionista.
- Poetry: Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley - The ultimate hubris of power.
Farewell, dear reader, as we part ways today. May the words of wisdom and wit in these lines be your guide to navigating the tides of success and the currents of humility. Keep both feet on the ground, or at least, tightly secured with a bit of self-awareness 🤹♂️.
— W. T. Wittywords
