THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Make head or tail of
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Understand something that seems confusing.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I can’t make head or tail of this handwritten note.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I can’t ________ this handwritten note.
Show the answer
Make head or tail of — Understand something that seems confusing.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Make head or tail of” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Understand something that seems confusing.
Compare: I can’t make head or tail of this handwritten note.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression, usually with “can’t” or “couldn’t”, about unclear writing, instructions or explanations.
More examples in context
- We couldn’t make head or tail of the timetable until someone explained the symbols.
- Can you make head or tail of these assembly instructions?
Usage note
The expression is most natural in negative sentences and questions. “Can’t make heads or tails of” is another established form. Keep “of” before the confusing thing.
A short conversation
A: Have you worked out how to attach this part?
B: No, I can’t make head or tail of the diagram.
A: Let’s check whether there is a clearer version online.
One more practice question
If you cannot make head or tail of a message, what is the problem?
A. You cannot understand it.
B. You understand every part immediately.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes difficulty understanding confusing information.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.