have your head in the clouds
To be unrealistic or not paying attention
直訳: To possess your physical head inside of the white clouds in the sky.
Use this to gently point out when someone is being unrealistic or distracted from the task at hand.
15秒でわかる
- Being distracted, daydreaming, or totally impractical in the moment.
- Used for people who aren't paying attention to reality.
- A lighthearted way to call someone a dreamer or spacey.
意味
This phrase describes someone who is daydreaming or being totally unrealistic. It is like their body is on the ground, but their mind is floating high in the sky.
主な例文
3 / 6Talking to a distracted friend
Earth to Sarah! You've had your head in the clouds all morning.
Sarah, wake up! You have been daydreaming all morning.
Discussing a business plan
I like the vision, but let's not have our heads in the clouds regarding the budget.
I like the idea, but let's be realistic about the money.
Texting a sibling about a mistake
I forgot my umbrella again... head in the clouds as usual! ☁️
I forgot my umbrella because I wasn't paying attention.
文化的背景
The phrase dates back several centuries and reflects the human fascination with the sky as a place of dreams. While it can be a criticism of being impractical, it is often used affectionately for creative types. In modern pop culture, it is frequently used in songs to describe the feeling of being in love.
The 'Earth to...' Combo
If you want to sound like a native, start your sentence with 'Earth to [Name]!' before using the idiom. It mimics a radio call to a lost astronaut.
Don't use for 'Stupid'
This phrase means someone is distracted or idealistic, not that they lack intelligence. Using it to mean 'dumb' is a common mistake.
15秒でわかる
- Being distracted, daydreaming, or totally impractical in the moment.
- Used for people who aren't paying attention to reality.
- A lighthearted way to call someone a dreamer or spacey.
What It Means
Imagine someone staring out a window while a teacher is talking. Their mind is far away in a dream world. That is having your head in the clouds. It means you are not focusing on reality. You might be imagining big, impossible things. Or you might just be very forgetful today. It is about being disconnected from the present moment.
How To Use It
You can use it to describe yourself or others. It usually follows the verb to have. For example, "I have my head in the clouds today." You can also say someone "is living with their head in the clouds." It describes a personality trait or a temporary mood. Use it when someone misses a detail or suggests a wild idea.
When To Use It
Use this when a friend forgets their keys for the third time. It is perfect for a colleague who suggests a million-dollar project with zero budget. Use it at a cafe when your date is staring at the ceiling. It works well in casual chats about dreams and focus. It is a gentle way to say someone is being spacey.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this during a serious performance review at work. Do not use it if someone is actually suffering from a medical issue. It is too lighthearted for a funeral or a crisis. If your boss is angry, do not tell them they have their head in the clouds. That might get you fired! Keep it for light, non-critical situations.
Cultural Background
This idiom has been around since the 1600s. It relies on the visual of clouds being high and unreachable. In Western culture, we value being "down to earth." Being in the clouds is the opposite of that. It suggests a lack of practical thinking. However, it is sometimes used to describe creative geniuses who think differently.
Common Variations
Sometimes people just say someone is cloudy or spacey. You might hear get your head out of the clouds as a command. Another version is living in a dream world. In British English, you might hear away with the fairies. All of these mean the person is not mentally present.
使い方のコツ
This is a very safe, common idiom. It fits perfectly in neutral and informal settings. Just be careful using it with superiors if they are expecting strictly professional behavior.
The 'Earth to...' Combo
If you want to sound like a native, start your sentence with 'Earth to [Name]!' before using the idiom. It mimics a radio call to a lost astronaut.
Don't use for 'Stupid'
This phrase means someone is distracted or idealistic, not that they lack intelligence. Using it to mean 'dumb' is a common mistake.
The Positive Spin
In creative fields like art or tech, having your head in the clouds is sometimes a compliment for someone who thinks outside the box!
例文
6Earth to Sarah! You've had your head in the clouds all morning.
Sarah, wake up! You have been daydreaming all morning.
Using 'Earth to [Name]' is a common way to pair with this phrase.
I like the vision, but let's not have our heads in the clouds regarding the budget.
I like the idea, but let's be realistic about the money.
Used here to bring focus back to practical limitations.
I forgot my umbrella again... head in the clouds as usual! ☁️
I forgot my umbrella because I wasn't paying attention.
Self-deprecating humor is a very common use for this idiom.
You're a bright student, but you often have your head in the clouds during math.
You are smart, but you daydream during math class.
A soft way to provide feedback without being too harsh.
Ever since he met her, he's had his head in the clouds.
He has been distracted and dreaming since he met her.
Describes the 'dizzy' feeling of being newly in love.
As a kid, I always had my head in the clouds, imagining space travel.
When I was young, I was always daydreaming about space.
Used to describe a creative or imaginative personality.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
Stop having your ___ in the clouds and focus on the road while driving!
The standard idiom always uses 'head' to represent the center of thought and attention.
Identify the meaning in this context.
Tom thinks he can win the lottery tomorrow; he really has his head in the clouds.
In this case, Tom's expectation of winning the lottery is an impractical dream.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'Head in the Clouds'
Used with close friends or siblings.
You're so spacey, get your head out of the clouds!
Common in casual workplace chats.
I had my head in the clouds and missed the email.
Rarely used in serious legal or medical documents.
The proposal was deemed to have its head in the clouds.
When to use 'Head in the Clouds'
Daydreaming
Staring out the window during a long meeting.
Unrealistic Plans
Planning a world tour with $5 in your bank account.
Forgetfulness
Walking into a room and forgetting why you are there.
New Romance
Thinking about a crush instead of doing homework.
よくある質問
10 問It can be a mild criticism, but it's usually not a mean insult. It's more like saying someone is 'spacey' or 'a dreamer' rather than 'stupid'.
Yes, but only if the mood is collaborative. You might say, Let's make sure we don't have our heads in the clouds regarding the timeline.
The opposite is being down to earth. Someone who is down to earth is practical, realistic, and focused on the present.
No, the idiom is fixed as head in the clouds. Changing the body part will make it sound confusing to native speakers.
Yes, it is almost always plural. Saying head in the cloud sounds like you are talking about internet data storage!
You can say, Get your head out of the clouds! This is a common way to tell someone to stop daydreaming and pay attention.
Usually, no. While it means someone is 'out of it,' it specifically refers to daydreaming or being impractical, not intoxication.
Yes. You can say, He's always had his head in the clouds. This means he has been a dreamer his whole life.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in almost all English-speaking countries.
Often, yes. People who are very happy or in love are frequently described as having their head in the clouds because they are distracted by joy.
関連フレーズ
Down to earth
Practical and realistic.
Space cadet
A person who is often distracted or out of touch with reality.
Airhead
A silly or lighthearted person (more insulting than head in the clouds).
Pie in the sky
An idea that is pleasant to imagine but unlikely to happen.
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