be hanging over (one's) head

be hanging over (one's) head

To be a source of lingering concern or worry. All these bills are hanging over my head, and I don't get paid for another week. I'm so glad that exam is over—it's been hanging over my head for months. Would you call that guy back already? This has been hanging over your head for weeks now.

See also: hanging, head, over

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be hanging over your head

or

be hanging over you

COMMON If something difficult or unpleasant is hanging over your head or is hanging over you, it worries you because it may cause something bad to happen to you. It is unlikely that the Home Office would want to appoint him to the job if an inquiry was hanging over his head. Miss Evans can now get married without this matter hanging over her. Note: This expression may relate to the story of the Sword of Damocles; see explanation at `sword'.

See also: hanging, head, over

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

be hanging over your head

(of something unpleasant) threaten to affect you at any moment.

See also: hanging, head, over

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017