be hanging over (one's) head
To be a source of lingering concern or worry. All these bills are hanging over my head, and I don't get paid for another week. I'm so glad that exam is over—it's been hanging over my head for months.
be hanging over your head
or be hanging over you
COMMON If something difficult or unpleasant is hanging over your head or is hanging over you, it worries you because it may cause something bad to happen to you. It is unlikely that the Home Office would want to appoint him to the job if an inquiry was hanging over his head. Miss Evans can now get married without this matter hanging over her. Note: This expression may relate to the story of the Sword of Damocles; see explanation at `sword'.
be hanging over your head
(of something unpleasant) threaten to affect you at any moment.