wrap your head around

Meaning

To find a way to understand, accept, or comprehend something that is complicated, unusual, or difficult to grasp. While it is casual, it is frequently used by academics, students, and professionals when dealing with highly complex theories, abstract math, or shocking data. The tone is conversational and acknowledges the mental effort required.

Examples

• I'm trying to wrap my head around this new quantum physics theory.

  I'm trying to wrap my head around this new quantum physics theory.

• It took me three weeks to wrap my head around the professor's complex methodology.

  It took me three weeks to wrap my head around the professor's complex methodology.

• Can you help me wrap my head around these statistical models?

  Can you help me wrap my head around these statistical models?

• I just can't wrap my head around how massive the universe actually is.

  I just can't wrap my head around how massive the universe actually is.

• Once you wrap your head around the basic syntax, programming becomes much easier.

  Once you wrap your head around the basic syntax, programming becomes much easier.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I cannot wrap my mind around this formula.

  ✓ I cannot wrap my head around this formula.

  While 'wrap your mind around' is sometimes heard, 'wrap your head around' is the standard, widely accepted idiomatic version.

• ✗ It's hard to wrap my head about this concept.

  ✓ It's hard to wrap my head around this concept.

  The preposition must be 'around' (or 'round' in British English), never 'about'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• To write a good essay, you first need to ___ the main thesis.

  💡 Understand or grasp a complex concept.

  Show answer

  wrap your head around

• It can be tough to ___ advanced calculus in your first semester.

  💡 Comprehend or fully understand a highly difficult subject.

  Show answer

  wrap your head around