head over heels is not just a cliché; it is also, when you think about it, a faintly absurd one. Our heads are usually over our heels.
The phrase "head over heels," commonly associated with being in love, carries an inherent absurdity when examined closely. In our everyday orientation, it is natural for our heads to be positioned above our heels, making the expression somewhat counterintuitive. This curious twist of language highlights how common phrases can sometimes contradict logical reasoning.
Bill Bryson, in "Troublesome Words," points out that such idiomatic expressions may seem cliché but also reflect the nuances of language. This observation invites readers to reconsider the language they use and recognize the playful absurdities within. Phrases like these, while they may seem harmless or typical, encourage a deeper engagement with the way we communicate.
