have a head on one's shoulders

have a head on one's shoulders (third-person singular simple present has a head on one's shoulders, present participle having a head on one's shoulders, simple past and past participle had a head on one's shoulders)

1. To have good sense or judgement.
   • 1897, Frances Heath Freshfield, The Wrothams of Wrotham Court, page 73:

     "You'd best keep the tatts till he's drunk," said Killigrew drily, "for I think you'll find my lord has a head on his shoulders when he's sober."

• good head on one's shoulders