Meaning of live rent-free in someone's head | Babel Free

Definitions

To be the perpetual focus of someone's thoughts, with that person having no control over this situation.

US, idiomatic, informal

Examples

“Gem of the Day: Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent free in your head.”

“The difficult bosses then get under their skin and live “rent-free” in their heads long after they've left work and gone home to sleep.”

“It may not seem that way, but this is a testament to Hillary's ability to successfully make such a mark on her opposition that she lives rent-free in their heads for decades.”

CEFR level