(have/get) your head (screwed) on straight
Meaning(s)
1. think or act in a clever, sensible way
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
he seems to have his head on straight
Analysis
If you say that someone 'has their head screwed on' or 'has their head screwed on straight', you usually mean that they have common sense or behave in a sensible or practical way. This is a casual expression, but it is often used in both social and professional contexts to talk about someone who is capable or who makes good decisions. Similar in meaning to 'being switched on' or 'having a good head on your shoulders'.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- The new employee may be young and inexperienced, but she seems to have her head screwed on straight.
- You need to get your head on straight! We can't afford any more silly mistakes so close to the deadline.
Social Examples (Basic)
- She studies hard and wants to go to university, she has her head screwed on.
- It's time you screwed your head on, you just don't seem to think things through before doing something.
- If I had had my head screwed on straight I would have bought a house instead of paying so much rent for so many years.