頭が上がらない

あたまがあがらない

to be no match for (e.g. outclassed in authority, strength or in debt to); to be unable to act on an equal basis with

Also written 頭があがらない

Meaning

expadj-i
to be no match for (e.g. outclassed in authority, strength or in debt to); to be unable to act on an equal basis with

Example sentences

彼女には頭が上がらない。

I feel morally indebted to her.
彼は奥さんには頭が上がらない。

He is no match for his wife.
私は母に頭が上がらない。

I am tied to my mother's apron strings.