Use when something is so confusing that you have no idea what it means or where to start. He rambled for an hour, and I couldn’t make head nor tail of his lecture.
Pro Tip 2/3
Full Phrase
The phrase is often used in its full form 'can’t make head nor tail of it' to express complete bewilderment. She handed me the manual, but I couldn’t make head nor tail of it.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Literal
Understand that 'head' and 'tail' are metaphorical and not related to actual heads or tails. These old coins are so worn, I can’t make head nor tail of their inscriptions.