Wrap one’s head around

Meaning

The idiom "wrap one’s head around" means to understand, grasp or comprehend something completely. It can also imply the ability to think clearly, logically and make sense of something complex.

Usage

• I've been trying to wrap my head around this math problem for hours, but I can't seem to get it.
• After watching the lecture several times, she was able to wrap her head around the concept and aced the exam.
• The new CEO's vision for the company has been difficult for some employees to wrap their heads around.
• She tried to wrap her head around the cultural differences when working with colleagues from a different country.
• After years of trying to understand why his wife was always upset, he finally wrapped his head around the issue and they were able to work through it together.

Roots and History

The idiom "wrap one’s head around" originated in the early 20th century and is believed to have come from the literal act of putting one's arms around something and trying to understand it. It may also be related to the figurative sense of "getting a handle on" or "gaining a foothold" which also means to understand or comprehend something. Over time, the idiom has evolved to mean more specifically to grasp something logically and completely.

Synonyms in English

• Understand
• Comprehend
• Grasp
• Get a hold of
• Solve

Synonyms in other languages

• 理解 (Japanese) - To understand or comprehend something.
• เข้าใจ (Thai) - To understand or comprehend something.
• فهم (Persian) - To understand or comprehend something.
• دى (Arabic) - To understand or comprehend something.
• بדيل (Arabic) - To gain insight or understanding into something.

Similar Idioms

• get act together

• head in the clouds

• ginger up