use one's head

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use one's head (third-person singular simple present uses one's head, present participle using one's head, simple past and past participle used one's head)

1. (idiomatic) To think carefully, especially as an alternative to being guided by one's emotions.
   • 1918, Stephen Leacock, "Back from the Land" in Frenzied Fiction:

     He never—so they agreed—uses his head. He never—I think I have their phrase correct—stops to think.

   • 1957, Joyce Jackson, "Guide to Dating," Toledo Blade, p. 35, 13 March:

     When a girl falls in love, after first using her head to find a suitable mate to fall in love with, it is such a wonderful feeling.

   • 2007, Chris Thornton, "A Belfast Father's Vindication," Time, 23 Jan.:

     Bound by that commitment, he used his head, channeling his rage into a determination to bring the killers to justice.

2. (humorous) To headbutt.

• use one's noggin