hole in his head

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hole in his head" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is acting foolishly or irrationally. Example: "After hearing his ridiculous plan, I couldn't help but think there must be a hole in his head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Amphetamine John shot a hole in his head!

The Guardian - Music

Instead, they drilled a new hole in his head.

The New York Times - Sports

HoberOs grandfather had a hole in his head.

The New Yorker

"It looks like him, covered in blood with a hole in his head," the official said.

The New York Times

"I've got one friend, they're drilling a hole in his head.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now the little guy has "a big hole in his head," the director said.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

He had two bullet holes in his head.

The New York Times

A few days later, Neilson Jose was found along a road with three bullet holes in his head.

The New York Times

Sometimes, as on "Scared Now," he's happily reliant on blunt force: "Put three holes in his head like a bowling ball".

The New York Times - Arts

The following year, police burst in to his hotel room in Chengdu and beat him so badly that surgeons in Munich later had to drill two holes in his head to stop a brain bleed.

Independent

Police burst into the hotel room of Ai Weiwei in Chengdu in August and beat him so badly that Munich surgeons subsequently had to drill two holes in his head to remove 30ml of fluid from his skull.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the level of formality. In medical or scientific contexts, more precise terms like 'cranial penetration' may be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "hole in his head" to describe someone's intelligence directly. Instead, use established idioms like "not the sharpest tool in the shed" or "a few screws loose" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hole in his head" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a sentence or clause. It describes a physical injury or, metaphorically, a lack of intelligence or sound judgment. As seen in Ludwig, the expression is commonly used in news and media to depict violent incidents or bizarre situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hole in his head" is a common noun phrase primarily used in news and media to describe a physical injury or, figuratively, to suggest foolishness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral in register, its graphic nature calls for careful consideration in formal settings. Related phrases include "bullet wound to the head" and "head trauma". Be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretations, especially when implying someone's intelligence. Although used literally it may also mean stupidity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bullet wound to the head

Focuses specifically on the cause of the head injury, indicating it was caused by a bullet.

penetrating head injury

Specifically describes an injury where something enters the skull.

perforated skull

Emphasizes the act of creating a hole through the skull.

brain injury

Indicates damage to the brain itself, which may result from a "hole in his head".

head trauma

A more general term for any injury to the head, which may or may not involve penetration.

cranial penetration

A more formal and technical term for something entering the skull.

skull fracture

Describes a break in the bones of the skull, which may or may not involve a hole.

head injury

A broad term encompassing any damage to the head, regardless of severity or cause.

brain damage

Suggests the consequence of the injury rather than the injury itself.

head wound

A general term for any injury to the head.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone has a "hole in his head"?

The phrase "hole in his head" can refer literally to a physical injury or, figuratively, suggest someone is acting foolishly or irrationally. Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hole in his head"?

It's appropriate when describing a physical head wound or, informally, to imply someone is not thinking clearly. However, avoid using it in formal or sensitive settings.

Are there more formal alternatives to "hole in his head" when referring to a physical injury?

Yes, in medical or formal contexts, use terms like "cranial penetration", "penetrating head injury", or "skull fracture" for greater precision.

What are some less literal ways to say someone is acting foolishly instead of saying there's a "hole in his head"?

Consider using idioms like "not the sharpest tool in the shed", "a few screws loose", or simply stating that someone is acting irrationally or making poor decisions.