wrap-your-head-around-something
/ræp jɔː hed əˈraʊnd ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
If you wrap your head around something, you understand it after some thought. It is often used when an idea is difficult, new, or surprising.
- I can't wrap my head around the rules yet.
- It took me a week to wrap my head around the app.
- She finally wrapped her head around the plan.
Adinary Nuance
Wrap your head around something is less formal than understand and more expressive than simply get. It suggests the idea is hard to think through, not just hard to hear. Writers often choose it when they want a natural, conversational tone. It is common in spoken English and informal writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- hiểu ra
- Spanish
- entender
- Chinese
- 弄明白
- Japanese
- 理解する
- Korean
- 이해하다
Etymology
This idiom became common in modern English in the 20th century. It uses the image of putting your head around an idea, as if holding it in your mind.
Common phrases
wrap my head around itwrap your head around the ideatry to wrap your head around itcan’t wrap my head around it
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'wrap your head around' formal or informal?
- It is mostly informal. Use it in speech, emails, and relaxed writing.
- What is the difference between 'wrap your head around' and 'understand'?
- 'Wrap your head around' suggests something is difficult to understand.
- Can I use it in IELTS speaking?
- Yes, if the tone is natural. It can sound fluent and conversational.
- Does it mean the same as 'figure out'?
- Not exactly. 'Figure out' means solve or find the answer.