Definition
To be the perpetual focus of someone's thoughts, with that person having no control over this situation.
Origins
Often attributed to American advice columnist Eppie Lederer (1918–2002), who used it in her syndicated advice column in 1990.
In Context
- "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."