off the top of (one's) head

From memory or without much or careful consideration. A: "How much can we expect to earn this quarter?" B: "Off the top of my head, it should be around $200,000, but I'll have to check the figures when I get to the office." I know of two people who are coming off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure more said they'd be here. John can list the capital cities of all 50 states off the top of his head.

See also: head, of, off, top

off the top of your head

If you say something off the top of your head, you say it without thinking about it much or without trying to check it or find out more facts about it. I can't remember off the top of my head the date of the wedding. I'm thinking off the top of my head here. OK, off the top of your head, do you know the capital of South Korea?

See also: head, of, off, top

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

off the top of your head

without careful thought or investigation. informal

1988 Jamaica Kincaid A Small Place He apologises for the incredible mistake he has made in quoting you a price off the top of his head which is so vastly different (favouring him) from the one listed.

See also: head, of, off, top

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

off the ˌtop of your ˈhead

(informal) as a guess; without having time to think carefully: Off the top of my head I’d say it would cost $2 000 to do the repairs. ♢ ‘What’s the population of Liverpool?’ ‘I’m afraid I couldn’t tell you off the top of my head.’

See also: head, of, off, top

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

Tell me, dear reader, without consulting your notes or your newspaper, how many names can you recite off the top of your head as the ones you will shade on your ballot come election day?

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"All that stuff seems to come right off the top of your head." Ed smiled and thanked the man, pleased that he had made it look easy.

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GAELIC Players Committee chairman Jarlath Burns last night attacked Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy, telling him: "You're talking off the top of your head."

GAELIC FOOTBALL: BURNS LASHES FINANCE MINISTER