head over heels

Definition

Tumbling upside down; somersaulting.

Etymology

Attested from the 14ᵗʰ century onwards, originally as heels over head, which better rendered the notion of things being upside down (head over heels is the standard state of being).

Example Sentences

• "She tripped and rolled head over heels down the hill."
• "I was knocked head over heels about 20' from where I was before."
• "Hearing the noise in the dark, the children ran head over heels back home."