jump in headfirst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jump in headfirst" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is taking a risk or diving into a situation without hesitation or preparation. Example: "When the opportunity arose to start my own business, I decided to jump in headfirst and embrace the challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Instead, his professors encouraged him to jump in headfirst.

Columbia University

Sometimes you just have to jump in headfirst to get what you want from your life.

Huffington Post

That being said, you don't want to jump in headfirst without a plan.

HuffPost

Well, if that's the case, then jump in headfirst and pick up a planner along the way.

Huffington Post

Just choose something that puts you a bit outside of your comfort zone and jump in headfirst with the knowledge that your life will go on no matter the outcome.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In the midst of this pink trend, Apple Inc. is jumping in headfirst.

Huffington Post

The surprise marriage may seem rushed to fans who follow the goings on of Rivera's personal life, but Dorsey and Rivera don't seem to be worried about jumping in headfirst.

Huffington Post

"But I guess I jumped in headfirst".

The New York Times - Sports

A chance to buy a few Wendy's franchises presented itself, and Bridgeman, a former guard for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers, jumped in headfirst, buying five franchises in the Milwaukee area.

The New York Times - Sports

So we jumped in headfirst into building what we eventually called the CrunchPad.

TechCrunch

I jumped in headfirst and hoped that my body would acclimatize quickly.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jump in headfirst" when you want to emphasize the enthusiastic and immediate nature of someone's involvement in a new activity or situation. This phrase is particularly effective when the situation involves a degree of risk or uncertainty.

Common error

While "jump in headfirst" implies enthusiasm, avoid using it to suggest that planning or research are unimportant. Balance the sentiment with a recognition of potential challenges or the need for learning along the way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jump in headfirst" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase to describe the manner in which someone begins an activity. It implies a lack of hesitation and a willingness to engage fully from the start, as evidenced in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jump in headfirst" is an idiomatic expression that suggests an enthusiastic and immediate approach to a new situation or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase implies a willingness to take risks and embrace challenges, it's important to balance this enthusiasm with a recognition of potential challenges and the need for preparation. This phrase is frequently found in news and media, academic and wiki contexts. Alternatives include "dive in headfirst", "plunge in", and "leap into", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dive in headfirst

A very close synonym, implying a similar level of enthusiasm and lack of hesitation.

jump right in

Implies starting something immediately and without delay.

plunge in

Suggests a sudden and decisive entry into a situation, often without much prior thought.

leap into

Emphasizes the act of taking a risk or a bold step into something new.

throw oneself into

Highlights the commitment and energy someone dedicates to a new venture.

launch oneself into

Conveys an energetic and determined beginning, often with a sense of purpose.

immerse oneself in

Focuses on becoming deeply involved and absorbed in something.

take the plunge

Suggests overcoming hesitation and committing to a significant decision or action.

get stuck in

Commonly used in British English, this phrase emphasizes active participation and engagement.

get involved

A more general term indicating participation, but with less emphasis on the immediate start.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "jump in headfirst" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "immerse oneself in", "dedicate oneself to", or "commit to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever better to use "dive in headfirst" instead of "jump in headfirst"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Dive in headfirst" might be slightly more common in contexts relating to literal bodies of water, but the distinction is subtle.

What are some situations where "jump in headfirst" might not be the best phrase choice?

Avoid using "jump in headfirst" when describing situations that require careful planning, risk assessment, or a cautious approach. For example, it would not be appropriate to say "jump in headfirst" when describing how a surgeon prepares for a complex operation.

How does "jump in headfirst" differ from "test the waters"?

"Jump in headfirst" implies immediate and enthusiastic involvement, while "test the waters" suggests a more cautious and exploratory approach. The former involves a commitment, while the latter involves initial fact-finding.