mind
I just said the first thing that came into my mind.
the part of a person that makes it possible for him or her to think, feel emotions, and understand things
How does the human mind work?
Oxford Essential Dictionary
noun
the part of you that thinks and remembers:
He has a very quick mind.
be or go out of your mind (informal) to be or become mad or very worried:
Where were you? I was going out of my mind with worry.
change your mind to have an idea, then decide to do something different:
I planned a holiday in France and then changed my mind and went to Italy.
have something on your mind to be worried about something:
I've got a lot on my mind at the moment.
make up your mind to decide something:
Shall I buy the blue shirt or the red one? I can't make up my mind.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
mind
I. mind1 S1 W1 /maɪnd/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: mind, minder, reminder; adjective: mindless, minded, mindful; verb: mind, remind; adverb: mindlessly]
[Language: Old English; Origin: gemynd]
1. ABILITY TO THINK AND IMAGINE [uncountable and countable] your thoughts or your ability to think, feel, and imagine things ⇨ mental:
It is impossible to understand the complex nature of the human mind.
Mind and body are closely related.
Meditation involves focussing the mind on a single object or word.
in sb’s mind
There was no doubt in my mind that it was the right decision to make.
Do you have a clear picture in your mind of what you want?
A plan began to form in his mind.
The event is still fresh in most people’s minds.
independence/strength/flexibility of mind
men who were chosen for their independence of mind
2. change your mind to change your decision, plan, or opinion about something:
I was afraid that Liz would change her mind and take me back home.
change your mind about
If you change your mind about the colour scheme, it’s easy to just paint over it.
3. make up your mind/make your mind up
a) to decide which of two or more choices you want, especially after thinking for a long time:
I wish he’d hurry up and make his mind up.
make up your mind/make your mind up about
He couldn’t make up his mind about what to do with the money.
make up your mind whether
Karen couldn’t make up her mind whether to apply for membership or not.
b) to become very determined to do something, so that you will not change your decision:
No more argument. My mind is made up.
make up your mind to do something
He had clearly made up his mind to end the affair.
make up your mind that
I made up my mind there and then that I would never get married.
c) to decide what your opinion is about someone or something
make up your mind/make your mind up about
I could never really make my mind up about him.
You’re old enough to make your own mind up about smoking.
4. have somebody/something in mind (for something) to have an idea about who or what you want for a particular purpose:
It was a nice house, but it wasn’t quite what we had in mind.
Did you have anyone in mind for the job?
Have you any particular colour in mind for the bedroom?
5. bear/keep somebody/something in mind to remember or think about someone or something when you are doing something:
It’s a good idea – I’ll keep it in mind.
You must always keep the reader in mind when writing a report.
Floor tiles can be difficult to clean – worth keeping in mind when you choose a new floor.
bear/keep in mind that
Bear in mind that the price does not include flights.
More money should be given to housing, bearing in mind (=because of) the problem of homelessness.
6. with somebody/something in mind considering someone or something when doing something, and taking suitable action:
Most gardens designed with children in mind are safe but dull.
With these aims in mind, the school operates a broad-based curriculum.
7. on your/sb’s mind
a) if something is on your mind, you keep thinking or worrying about it:
He looked as though he had something on his mind.
Sorry I forgot. I’ve got a lot on my mind (=a lot of problems to worry about) at the moment.
b) if something is on your mind, that is what you are thinking about:
She’s the type of person who just says what’s on her mind.
8. get/put somebody/something out of your mind (also put somebody/something to the back of your mind) to stop yourself thinking about someone or something:
I just can’t seem to get her out of my mind.
You’ve got to try and put him out of your mind.
She put her disappointment to the back of her mind and concentrated on Dana.
9. cross/enter sb’s mind (also come into sb’s mind) [not in progressive] if something crosses your mind, you have a thought or idea:
It never crossed my mind that Lisa might be lying.
Suddenly a horrible thought came into my mind.
10. go/run/flash etc through sb’s mind if something goes through your mind, you have a thought, especially for a short time:
She knew what was going through his mind.
All kinds of questions ran through my mind.
After the accident, one of the things that went through my mind was whether I would be able to drive again.
11. come/spring to mind [not in progressive] if something comes or springs to mind, you suddenly or immediately think of it:
I just used the first excuse which sprang to mind.
A memory of last night came to mind, and he smiled.
Fatherhood doesn’t immediately spring to mind when you think of James.
► Do not say that something ‘comes to your mind’ or ‘springs to your mind’. Say that it comes to mind or springs to mind.
12. CHARACTER [countable] used to talk about the way that someone thinks and the type of thoughts they have:
He has a very devious mind.
My naturally suspicious mind thought he might be lying.
13. INTELLIGENCE [countable usually singular] your intelligence and ability to think, rather than your emotions:
a mind trained to react with split-second accuracy
a brilliant/enquiring/logical etc mind
a bright child with an enquiring mind
14. INTELLIGENT PERSON [countable] someone who is very intelligent, especially in a particular subject or activity SYN brain:
This is one of the issues that has most interested military minds.
Some of the finest minds in the country are working on the project.
15. state/frame of mind the way someone is thinking and feeling at a particular time:
What happened had a lot to do with my state of mind at the time.
in a good/positive/relaxed etc frame of mind
She returned from lunch in a happier frame of mind.
in the right/wrong frame of mind
You have to be in the right frame of mind to play well.
16. to/in my mind used to show you are giving your opinion about something SYN in my opinion:
The Internet, to my mind, represents information exchange at its best.
17. go/turn over something in your mind to keep thinking about something because you are trying to understand it or solve a problem:
Corbett rode along, turning over in his mind what Bruce had said.
18. be the last thing on sb’s mind (also be the furthest thing from sb’s mind) to be the thing that someone is least likely to be thinking about:
Insurance was the last thing on my mind when we set off that day.
19. take/keep/get sb’s mind off something to make someone stop thinking and worrying about something:
Going back to work helped take my mind off Ian’s death.
Want a game? It might take your mind off things.
20. set/put sb’s mind at rest (also set/put sb’s mind at ease) to make someone feel less worried or anxious:
If you’re worried, see a doctor to set your mind at rest.
21. it/that is a load/weight off sb’s mind informal used to say that someone does not have to worry about something any more
22. prey on sb’s mind (also play on sb’s mind) if a problem preys on your mind, you cannot stop thinking about it:
Finally, she broached the subject that had been playing on her mind for days.
23. no one in their right mind ... (also who in their right mind ...?) informal used to say that someone must be stupid or crazy to do something:
Who in their right mind would want to do that job?
No woman in her right mind would go out with a man like him.
24. be out of your mind informal to be stupid or crazy:
He must have been out of his mind to employ her.
25. be out of your mind with worry/grief etc (also be worried/bored etc out of your mind) to be extremely worried, bored etc:
It was getting late and I was out of my mind with worry.
26. go out of your mind (also lose your mind) informal to become mentally ill or very worried, bored etc SYN go crazy:
Nicole looked at him as if he’d gone out of his mind.
27. sb’s mind goes blank (also sb’s mind is a blank) informal if your mind goes blank, you suddenly cannot remember something:
For some inexplicable reason, her mind went completely blank.
His heart was thumping and his mind was a complete blank.
28. go (right/clean) out of sb’s mind (also slip sb’s mind) if something goes out of your mind, you forget it, especially because you are very busy:
I’m sorry. So much has been happening, it went clean out of my mind.
It had completely slipped her mind that Dave still had a key to the house.
29. bring/call something to mind
a) to make you think of someone or something SYN remind somebody of something:
The wine’s sweet nutty taste calls to mind roasted chestnuts.
b) formal to remember something:
The only thing I could call to mind was something my mother once said.
30. put somebody in mind of somebody/something [not in progressive] formal to remind someone of someone or something:
The girl put me in mind of my own daughter.
31. stick/stay in sb’s mind if a name, fact etc sticks in your mind, you remember it for a long time:
For some reason, the name really stuck in Joe’s mind.
One line from the poem had stayed in her mind.
32. be of one mind/of the same mind/of like mind formal to have the same opinions as someone else:
It can be difficult to meet others of like mind.
be of one mind/of the same mind/of like mind on/about
The council and the government are of one mind on the long-term objective.
33. have a mind of your own
a) to have strong opinions about things, and make your own decisions without being influenced by other people:
She’s a woman without fear, with a mind of her own, who says what she thinks.
b) if an object has a mind of its own, it seems to control itself and does not work or move in the way you want it to:
The bicycle seemed to have a mind of its own and I couldn’t steer it straight.
34. put/set/turn your mind to something to decide that you want to achieve something and try very hard to do it:
I think anyone can lose weight if they set their mind to it.
35. sb’s mind is not on something if your mind is not on what you are doing, you are not thinking much about it because you are thinking or worrying about something else:
His mind didn’t seem to be on the game at all.
36. keep your mind on something to keep paying attention to something, even though it is difficult:
He could hardly keep his mind on what she was saying.
keep your mind on the job/task in/at hand
Making notes is the best way of keeping your mind on the task at hand.
37. sb’s mind wanders if your mind wanders, you no longer pay attention to something, especially because you are bored:
Her mind was beginning to wander.
38. sb’s mind is racing if your mind is racing, you are thinking very quickly and hard about something because you are excited, frightened etc:
He tried to reassure her, but Carrie’s mind was racing.
39. it’s all in the mind used to tell someone that they have imagined something and it does not really exist:
He’s one of those doctors who say you’re not really sick and it’s all in the mind.
40. in your mind’s eye if you see something in your mind’s eye, you imagine or remember clearly what it looks like:
She paused, imagining the scene in her mind’s eye.
41. have it in mind formal to intend to do something
have it in mind to do something
For a long time I had it in mind to write a book about my experiences.
have it in mind that
I had it in mind that one day I might move to Spain.
42. have half a mind to do something spoken
a) (also have a good mind to do something) used to say that you might do something to show that you disapprove of something someone has done:
I’ve a good mind to tell him exactly what I think.
I’ve half a mind to stop him seeing her altogether.
b) used to say that you may decide to do something:
I’ve half a mind to come with you tomorrow.
43. mind over matter used to say that you can use your thoughts to control physical feelings or an unpleasant situation:
I’m scared, yes, but it’s a case of mind over matter.
⇨ in/at the back of your mind at ↑back2(6), ⇨ blow sb’s mind at ↑blow1(15), ⇨ cast your mind back at ↑cast1(9), ⇨ a closed mind at ↑closed(4), ⇨ be in/at/to the forefront of sb’s mind/attention at ↑forefront(2), ⇨ give somebody a piece of your mind at ↑piece1(13), ⇨ great minds think alike at ↑great1(15), ⇨ know your own mind at ↑know1(50), ⇨ the mind boggles at ↑boggle, ⇨ meeting of minds at ↑meeting(5), ⇨ ↑one-track mind, ⇨ an open mind at ↑open1(16), ⇨ out of sight, out of mind at ↑sight1(8), ⇨ peace of mind at ↑peace(3), ⇨ ↑presence of mind, ⇨ read sb’s mind at ↑read1(15), ⇨ set your heart/mind/sights on (doing) something at ↑set1(13), ⇨ be of sound mind at ↑sound3(5), ⇨ speak your mind at ↑speak(7), ⇨ be in two minds at ↑two(9)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ mind what you use to think and imagine things: My mind was full of big ideas. | I never know what's going on in her mind. | At the back of my mind I had the funny feeling that I’d met her somewhere before. | The same thoughts kept going through my mind and I couldn’t get to sleep.
▪ head the place where someone’s mind is – use this especially when talking about the thoughts that are in someone’s mind: I can't get him out of my head. | You need to get it into your head that you've done nothing wrong. | To keep myself calm, I counted to ten in my head. | She’s so quiet – you never quite know what’s going on inside her head (=what she is thinking).
▪ subconscious the part of your mind that influences the way you think or behave, even though you may not realize this is happening, and which makes you have dreams: She suddenly remembered a traumatic incident that had been buried deep in her subconscious. | During the daytime our conscious minds are active, but during the night the subconscious takes over.
▪ psyche formal someone’s mind, especially their feelings and attitudes, and the way these influence their character - used especially when talking about people's minds in general: The need for love is deeply buried in our psyche. | Freud has provided an account of the human psyche's stages of development. | The child is simply searching his psyche to find some past event that relates to his new experiences.
▪ mentality a particular way of thinking that a group of people have, especially one that you think is wrong or bad: I just don't understand the mentality of these people. | They all seem to have a kind of victim mentality, which makes them think that the world is permanently against them.
▪ the ego technical the part of your mind that gives you your sense of who you are - used especially in Freudian psychology: the rational world of the ego and the irrational world of the unconscious
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
mind
mind [mind minds minded minding] noun, verb [maɪnd] [maɪnd]
noun
ABILITY TO THINK
1. countable, uncountable the part of a person that makes them able to be aware of things, to think and to feel
• the conscious/subconscious mind
• There were all kinds of thoughts running through my mind.
• There was no doubt in his mind that he'd get the job.
• ‘Drugs’ are associated in most people's minds with drug abuse.
• She was in a disturbed state of mind.
• I could not have complete peace of mind before they returned.
see also frame of mind, presence of mind
2. countable your ability to think and reason; your intelligence; the particular way that sb thinks
Syn: intellect
• to have a brilliant/good/keen mind
• a creative/evil/suspicious mind
• She had a lively and enquiring mind.
• His mind is as sharp as ever.
• I've no idea how her mind works!
• He had the body of a man and the mind of a child.
• insights into the criminal mind
see also one-track mind
INTELLIGENT PERSON
3. countable a person who is very intelligent
Syn: brain
see also mastermind
• She was one of the greatest minds of her generation.
THOUGHTS
4. countable your thoughts, interest, etc
• Keep your mind on your work!
• Her mind is completely occupied by the new baby.
• The lecture dragged on and my mind wandered.
• Your mind's not on the job.
• He gave his mind to the arrangements for the next day.
• As for avoiding you, nothing could be further from my mind (= I was not thinking of it at all).
MEMORY
5. countable, usually singular your ability to remember things
• When I saw the exam questions my mind just went blank (= I couldn't remember anything).
• Sorry— your name has gone right out of my mind.
more at at the back of your mind at back n., bend your mind/efforts to sth at bend v., blow your mind at blow v., sth boggles the mind at boggle, cast your mind back at cast v., change your/sb's mind at change v., change of mind at change n., close your mind to sth at close1 v., cross your mind at cross v., be etched on your heart/memory/mind at etch, great minds think alike at great adj., know your own mind at know v., a meeting of minds at meeting, have/keep an open mind (about/on sth) at open adj., open your/sb's mind to sth at open v., give sb a piece of your mind at piece n., prey on sb's mind at prey v., push sth to the back of your mind at push v., (not) in your right mind at right adj., have a mind/memory like a sieve at sieve n., out of sight, out of mind at sight n., slip your mind at slip v., speak your mind at speak, stick in your mind at stick v., a turn of mind at turn n., of unsound mind at unsound
Word Origin:
Old English gemynd ‘memory, thought’, of Germanic origin, from an Indo-European root meaning ‘revolve in the mind, think’, shared by Sanskrit manas and Latin mens ‘mind’.
Thesaurus:
mind noun
1. C, U
• All kinds of thoughts ran through my mind.
head • • brain • • soul • • spirit • • the/your subconscious • |psychology ego •
the human mind/brain/soul/spirit
a thought enters sb's mind/head
deep in your mind/the brain/your subconscious
Mind or head? Head is slightly more informal than mind in this meaning and is used especially to talk about thoughts and ideas that get into your head or that you can't get out of your head.
2. C, usually sing.
• His mind is as sharp as ever.
intelligence • • intellect • • brain • • wits • • genius • |AmE, informal smarts •
(a) great mind/intelligence/intellect/brain/genius
have a …mind/intelligence/intellect/a …brain/…wits/genius/smarts
use your mind/intelligence/brain/wits/smarts
Synonyms:
mad
crazy • nuts • batty • out of your mind • (not) in your right mind
These are all informal words that describe sb who has a mind that does not work normally.
mad • (informal, especially BrE) having a mind that does not work normally: ▪ I thought I'd go mad if I stayed any longer.
Mad is an informal word used to suggest that sb's behaviour is very strange, often because of extreme emotional pressure. It is offensive if used to describe sb suffering from a real mental illness; use mentally ill instead. Mad is not usually used in this meaning in North American English; use crazy instead.
crazy • (informal, especially NAmE) having a mind that does not work normally: ▪ A crazy old woman rented the upstairs room.
Like mad, crazy is offensive if used to describe sb suffering from a real mental illness.
nuts • [not before noun] (informal) mad: ▪ That noise is driving me nuts! ◊ ▪ You guys are nuts!
batty • (informal, especially BrE) slightly mad, in a harmless way: ▪ Her mum's completely batty.
out of your mind • (informal) unable to think or behave normally, especially because of extreme shock or anxiety: ▪ She was out of her mind with grief.
(not) in your right mind • (informal) (not) mentally normal: ▪ No one in their right mind ▪ would choose to work there.
to be mad/crazy/nuts/out of your mind/not in your right mind to do sth
to go mad/crazy/nuts/batty
to drive sb mad/crazy/nuts/batty/out of their mind
completely mad/crazy/nuts/batty/out of your mind
Example Bank:
• Exhaustion clouded her mind.
• He feared he was losing his mind.
• He had closed his mind to anything new.
• He occupied his mind by playing cards against himself.
• He wanted us to focus our minds on unsolved problems.
• He's in rather a negative frame of mind.
• Her mind began to wander.
• Her mind was still reeling from the shock.
• Here are some important points to keep in mind…
• His comments did nothing to ease my mind.
• His mind raced, trying to think of a way out of the situation.
• Honestly, all you ever talk about is sex— you have a one-track mind!
• I couldn't get my mind around the concept.
• I have a lot on my mind at the moment.
• I need a clear mind if I want to continue with my work.
• I'll keep what you say in mind.
• I'll never understand how his mind works.
• I'm sorry I forgot your birthday— it completely slipped my mind.
• I'm sure someone can help you, but no one immediately springs to mind.
• It was something she had never imagined, not even in the deepest recesses of her mind.
• It's been preying on my mind ever since it happened.
• Just free your mind and write whatever comes.
• Kate desperately searched her mind for some excuse.
• My mind turned to more practical matters.
• Our subconscious mind tries to protect us.
• Serious doubts began to flood my mind.
• She was poisoning his mind and turning him against his family.
• She was the only person who understood his mind.
• Tell me what you want— I can't read your mind!
• The problem was always at the back of my mind.
• The thought never crossed my mind!
• Their own problems of course remained uppermost in their minds.
• There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that he was guilty.
• Try meditating to clear your mind of negative thoughts.
• Try to keep an open mind until you've heard all the facts.
• Try to keep safety in the forefront of your mind at all times.
• What kind of party do you have in mind?
• Who in their right mind would want to marry a murderer?
• You can do whatever you set your mind to.
• You have to train your mind to think positively.
• You've been in my mind a lot lately.
• a collection of photographs that will blow your mind
• a problem that has defeated the world's finest minds
• a subject which was on the nation's collective mind
• impressionable young minds that are easily influenced
• influencing impressionable young minds
• refreshed in mind and body
• terrible images that will be imprinted on our minds for ever
• the complex nature of the human mind
• ‘Drugs’ are associated in most people's minds with drug abuse.
• Did you know you have a nasty suspicious mind?
• He had probably the finest mind of the whole group.
• He has the body of a man but the mind of a child.
• I wish I had that type of creative mind.
• I've no idea how her mind works.
• She has a brilliant mind.
• She has lively and enquiring mind.
• She was in a disturbed state of mind.
• Their evidence might give us some insight into the criminal mind.
• There was no doubt in his mind that he'd get the job.
• When I saw the exam questions my mind just went blank.
• When you go to sleep it is only the conscious mind that shuts down.
• You don't have to do anything about it now… just bear it in mind.
Idioms: I don't mind admitting/telling you … ▪ I don't mind if I do ▪ I wouldn't mind something sth ▪ all in the mind ▪ bear in mind that … ▪ bear somebody in mind ▪ bored/frightened/pissed/stoned out of your mind ▪ call somebody to mind ▪ come to mind ▪ do you mind? ▪ have a good mind to do something ▪ have a mind of your own ▪ have half a mind to do something ▪ have it in mind to do something ▪ have somebody in mind ▪ if you don't mind ▪ if you don't mind me saying so … ▪ if you wouldn't mind ▪ in two minds about about doing something ▪ lose your mind ▪ make up your mind ▪ make your mind up ▪ mind over matter ▪ mind the shop ▪ mind you ▪ mind your Ps and Qs ▪ mind your own business ▪ my mind ▪ never mind ▪ never mind something ▪ never you mind ▪ of one same mind ▪ on your mind ▪ out of your mind ▪ out of your mind with worry ▪ put somebody in mind of somebody ▪ put somebody's mind at ease ▪ put something out of your mind ▪ put your mind to something ▪ set your mind on something ▪ take your mind off something ▪ your mind's eye
Derived: mind out
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
mind / maɪnd / noun [ C ]
B1 the part of a person that makes it possible for him or her to think, feel emotions, and understand things:
Her mind was full of what had happened the night before, and she just wasn't concentrating.
Of course I'm telling the truth - you've got such a suspicious mind!
I just said the first thing that came into my mind.
I'm not quite clear in my mind about what I'm doing.
a very clever person:
She was one of the most brilliant minds of the last century.
all in the/ your mind describes a problem that does not exist and is only imagined:
His doctor tried to convince him that he wasn't really ill and that it was all in the mind.
bear/keep sth in mind B2 to remember a piece of information when you are making a decision or thinking about a matter:
Bearing in mind how young she is, I thought she did really well.
Of course, repair work is expensive and you have to keep that in mind.
go over sth in your mind ( also turn sth over in your mind ) to think repeatedly about an event that has happened:
She would go over the accident again and again in her mind, wishing that she could somehow have prevented it.
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
mind
I [ma͟ɪnd]NOUN USES
♦
minds
(Please look at category 45 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) N-COUNT: with poss You refer to someone's mind when talking about their thoughts. For example, if you say that something is in your mind, you mean that you are thinking about it, and if you say that something is at the back of your mind, you mean that you are aware of it, although you are not thinking about it very much.
I'm trying to clear my mind of all this...
There was no doubt in his mind that the man was serious...
I put what happened during that game to the back of my mind...
He spent the next hour going over the trial in his mind...
She found herself thinking thoughts that would never have entered her mind until now.
Syn:
head
2) N-COUNT: supp N Your mind is your ability to think and reason.
You have a good mind...
Studying stretched my mind and got me thinking about things.
...an excellent training for the young mind.
Syn:
intellect
3) N-COUNT: usu sing, with supp If you have a particular type of mind, you have a particular way of thinking which is part of your character, or a result of your education or professional training.
Andrew, you have a very suspicious mind...
The key to his success is his logical mind.
...an American writer who has researched the criminal mind.
Syn:
mentality
4) N-COUNT: with supp You can refer to someone as a particular kind of mind as a way of saying that they are clever, intelligent, or imaginative.
She moved to London, meeting some of the best minds of her time.
Syn:
thinker
5) → See also minded, -minded, frame of mind, state of mind
6) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR that, PHR n If you tell someone to bear something in mind or to keep something in mind, you are reminding or warning them about something important which they should remember.
Bear in mind that petrol stations are scarce in the more remote areas...
I should not be surprised about some of her comments, bearing in mind the party she belongs to.
Syn:
remember
7) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR n If something brings another thing to mind or calls another thing to mind, it makes you think of that other thing, usually because it is similar in some way.
That brings to mind a wonderful poem by Riokin...
The fate of many British designers calls to mind the fable of the tortoise and the hare.
Syn:
be reminiscent of
8) PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft PHR to n If you cast your mind back to a time in the past, you think about what happened then.
Cast your mind back to 1978, when Forest won the title.
9) PHRASE: V and N inflect, usu PHR to n If you close your mind to something, you deliberately do not think about it or pay attention to it.
She has closed her mind to last year's traumas.
10) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you change your mind, or if someone or something changes your mind, you change a decision you have made or an opinion that you had.
I was going to vote for him, but I changed my mind and voted for Reagan...
She's very young. She might change her mind about what she wants to do...
It would be impossible to change his mind.
11) PHRASE: V inflects If something comes to mind or springs to mind, you think of it without making any effort.
Integrity and honesty are words that spring to mind when talking of the man.
12) PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft with brd-neg, oft it PHR that If you say that an idea or possibility never crossed your mind, you mean that you did not think of it.
It had never crossed his mind that there might be a problem...
The possibility of failure did cross my mind.
Syn:
occur to you
13) PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR with cl If you see something in your mind's eye, you imagine it and have a clear picture of it in your mind.
In his mind's eye, he can imagine the effect he's having.
14) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR inf If you have a mind to do something, you want, intend, or choose to do it.
The captain of the guard looked as if he had a mind to challenge them...
They could interpret it that way if they'd a mind to.
15) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR inf If you say that you have a good mind to do something or have half a mind to do it, you are threatening or announcing that you have a strong desire to do it, although you probably will not do it.
He raged on about how he had a good mind to resign.
16) PHRASE: V inflects If you ask someone what they have in mind, you want to know in more detail about an idea or wish they have.
`Maybe we could celebrate tonight.' - `What did you have in mind?'
Syn:
be thinking of
17) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR inf If you have it in mind to do something, you intend or want to do it.
Collins Harvill had it in mind to publish a short volume about Pasternak.
18) PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR with cl If you do something with a particular thing in mind, you do it with that thing as your aim or as the reason or basis for your action.
These families need support. With this in mind a group of 35 specialists met last weekend.
19) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that something such as an illness is all in the mind, you mean that it relates to someone's feelings or attitude, rather than having any physical cause.
It could be a virus, or it could be all in the mind.
20) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you know your own mind, you are sure about your opinions, and are not easily influenced by other people.
21) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you say that someone is losing their mind, you mean that they are becoming mad.
Sometimes I feel I'm losing my mind.
22) PHRASE: V and N inflect, oft PHR to-inf If you make up your mind or make your mind up, you decide which of a number of possible things you will have or do.
Once he made up his mind to do something, there was no stopping him...
He simply can't make his mind up...
She said her mind was made up.
Syn:
decide
23) PHRASE: oft n prep PHR You can use the expression mind over matter to describe situations in which a person seems to be able to control events, physical objects, or the condition of their own body using their mind.
Good health is simply a case of mind over matter.
24) PHRASE: v-link PHR If a number of people are of one mind, of like mind, or of the same mind, they all agree about something.
Contact with other disabled yachtsmen of like mind would be helpful...
The food companies are not of one mind about these new regulations.
25) PHRASE: mind inflects, v-link PHR If you say that something that happens is a load off your mind or a weight off your mind, you mean that it causes you to stop worrying, for example because it solves a problem that you had.
Syn:
relief
26) PHRASE: N inflects, v-link PHR, PHR after v If something is on your mind, you are worried or concerned about it and think about it a lot.
This game has been on my mind all week...
I just forgot. I've had a lot on my mind.
27) PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n/-ing If your mind is on something or you have your mind on something, you are thinking about that thing.
At school I was always in trouble - my mind was never on my work.
28) PHRASE: N inflects, PHR after v If you have an open mind, you avoid forming an opinion or making a decision until you know all the facts.
It's hard to see it any other way, though I'm trying to keep an open mind.
29) PHRASE: V and N inflect, usu PHR to n If something opens your mind to new ideas or experiences, it makes you more willing to accept them or try them.
She also stimulated his curiosity and opened his mind to other cultures.
30) PHRASE: N inflects, v-link PHR (disapproval) If you say that someone is out of their mind, you mean that they are mad or very foolish. [INFORMAL]
What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?
Syn:
crazy
31) PHRASE: N inflects, v-link PHR, usu PHR with n (emphasis) If you say that someone is out of their mind with a feeling such as worry or fear, you are emphasizing that they are extremely worried or afraid. [INFORMAL]
32) PHRASE: N inflects, v-link PHR (emphasis) If you say that someone is, for example, bored out of their mind, scared out of their mind, or stoned out of their mind, you are emphasizing that they are extremely bored, scared, or affected by drugs. [INFORMAL]
33) PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n If you put your mind to something, you start making an effort to do it.
You could do fine in the world if you put your mind to it.
34) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n If something puts you in mind of something else, it reminds you of it because it is similar to it or is associated with it.
This put me in mind of something Patrick said many years ago.
Syn:
remind
35) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you can read someone's mind, you know what they are thinking without them saying anything.
Don't expect others to read your mind.
36) PHRASE: V and N inflect To put someone's mind at rest or set their mind at rest means to stop them worrying about something.
It may be advisable to have a blood test to put your mind at rest...
She could set your mind at rest by giving you the facts.
Syn:
reassure
37) PHRASE: with brd-neg, n PHR (emphasis) If you say that nobody in their right mind would do a particular thing, you are emphasizing that it is an irrational thing to do and you would be surprised if anyone did it.
No one in her right mind would make such a major purchase without asking questions.
38) PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n If you set your mind on something or have your mind set on it, you are determined to do it or obtain it.
When my wife sets her mind on something, she invariably finds a way to achieve it.
39) PHRASE: V and N inflect If something slips your mind, you forget it.
I was going to mention it, but it slipped my mind.
40) PHRASE: V and N inflect If you speak your mind, you say firmly and honestly what you think about a situation, even if this may offend or upset people.
Martina Navratilova has never been afraid to speak her mind.
41) PHRASE: V and N inflect If something sticks in your mind, it remains firmly in your memory.
I've always been fond of poetry and one piece has always stuck in my mind.
42) PHRASE: V and N inflect, PHR n If something takes your mind off a problem or unpleasant situation, it helps you to forget about it for a while.
`How about a game of tennis?' suggested Alan. `That'll take your mind off things.'
43) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say or write to my mind to indicate that the statement you are making is your own opinion.
There are scenes in this play which to my mind are incredibly violent.
44) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, oft PHR about n, PHR whether If you are in two minds, you are uncertain about what to do, especially when you have to choose between two courses of action. The expression of two minds is also used, especially in American English.
Like many parents, I am in two minds about school uniforms...
Roche was in two minds whether to make the trip to Oslo.
Syn:
unsure
45) to give someone a piece of your mind → see piece
presence of mind → see presence
out of sight, out of mind → see sightII [ma͟ɪnd]VERB USES
♦♦♦
minds, minding, minded
(Please look at category 21 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) VERB: usu with brd-neg If you do not mind something, you are not annoyed or bothered by it.
[V n/-ing] I don't mind the noise during the day...
[V n/-ing] Do you mind being alone?...
[V n -ing] I hope you don't mind me calling in like this, without an appointment...
It involved a little extra work, but nobody seemed to mind.
Syn:
object to
2) VERB (politeness) You use mind in the expressions `do you mind?' and `would you mind?' as a polite way of asking permission or asking someone to do something.
[V if] Do you mind if I ask you one more thing?...
[V if] You don't mind if they take a look round, do you?...
[V -ing] Would you mind waiting outside for a moment?...
`Would you like me to read that for you?' - `If you wouldn't mind, please.'
3) VERB: with brd-neg If someone does not mind what happens or what something is like, they do not have a strong preference for any particular thing.
[V wh] I don't mind what we play, really...
[V wh] I want to play for a top club and I don't mind where it is...
[V wh] They don't mind what you do.
4) VERB: usu imper If you tell someone to mind something, you are warning them to be careful not to hurt themselves or other people, or damage something. [BRIT]
[V n] Mind that bike!
Syn:
watch(in AM, usually use watch)
5) VERB: only imper You use mind when you are reminding someone to do something or telling them to be careful not to do something. [BRIT]
[V that] Mind you don't burn those sausages.
Syn:
make sure(in AM, usually use make sure, take care)
6) VERB If you mind a child or something such as a shop or luggage, you look after it, usually while the person who owns it or is usually responsible for it is somewhere else. [BRIT]
[V n] Jim Coulters will mind the store while I'm away.
Syn:
keep an eye on(in AM, usually use take care of, watch)
7) CONVENTION (formulae) If you are offered something or offered a choice and you say `I don't mind', you are saying politely that you will be happy with any of the things offered. [BRIT]
`Which one of these do you want?' - `I don't mind.'
Syn:
I'm not bothered
8) CONVENTION (formulae) You can say `I don't mind if I do' as a way of accepting something that someone has offered you, especially food or drink. [OLD-FASHIONED]
9) CONVENTION You say `Don't mind me' to apologize for your presence when you think that it might embarrass someone, and to tell them to carry on with what they were doing or about to do.
10) PHRASE: PHR n You use don't mind in expressions such as don't mind him or don't mind them to apologize for someone else's behaviour when you think it might have offended the person you are speaking to.
Don't mind the old lady. She's getting senile.
11) CONVENTION (formulae) Some people say `Mind how you go' when they are saying goodbye to someone who is leaving. [BRIT, INFORMAL]
Syn:
take care
12) PHRASE: PHR with cl (feelings) People use the expression if you don't mind when they are rejecting an offer or saying that they do not want to do something, especially when they are annoyed.
`Sit down.' - `I prefer standing for a while, if you don't mind.'...
If you don't mind, we won't talk about it any more.
13) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) You use mind you to emphasize a piece of information that you are adding, especially when the new information explains what you have said or contrasts with it. Some people use mind in a similar way.
They pay full rates. Mind you, they can afford it...
I got substantial damages. It took two years, mind you...
You need a bit of cold water in there to make it comfortable. Not too cold, mind.
14) PHRASE If you tell someone, especially a child, to mind their language, mind their tongue, or mind their manners, you are telling them to speak or behave properly and politely.
Syn:
watch
15) CONVENTION (emphasis) You say never mind when you are emphasizing that something is not serious or important, especially when someone is upset about it or is saying sorry to you.
16) PHRASE: oft PHR n/wh You use never mind to tell someone that they need not do something or worry about something, because it is not important or because you will do it yourself.
`I'll go up in one second, I promise.' - `Never mind,' I said with a sigh. `I'll do it.'...
`Was his name David?' - `No I don't think it was, but never mind, go on.'...
Dorothy, come on. Never mind your shoes. They'll soon dry off...
`Fewter didn't seem to think so.' - `Never mind what Fewter said.'
17) PHR-CONJ-COORD (emphasis) You use never mind after a statement, often a negative one, to indicate that the statement is even more true of the person, thing, or situation that you are going to mention next.
I'm not going to believe it myself, never mind convince anyone else...
Many of the potholes are a danger even to motor vehicles, never mind cyclists.
Syn:
let alone
18) CONVENTION You use never you mind to tell someone not to ask about something because it is not their concern or they should not know about it. [SPOKEN]
`Where is it?' - `Never you mind.'
19) PHRASE: PHR with cl (emphasis) You can say `I don't mind telling you' to emphasize the statement you are making.
I don't mind telling you I was absolutely terrified.
20) PHRASE: PHR n/-ing If you say that you wouldn't mind something, you mean that you would quite like it.
I wouldn't mind a coffee...
Anne wouldn't mind going to Italy or France to live.
Syn:
fancy
21) to mind your own business → see business
to mind your Ps and Qs → see p
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1mind /ˈmaɪnd/ noun, pl minds
1 : the part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels, and remembers
[count]
• He read great literature to develop/cultivate his mind.
• It's important to keep your mind active as you grow older.
• He went for a walk to help clear his mind.
• the mysteries of the human mind
• My mind is always open to new ideas.
• You can't argue with him. His mind is closed.
• I can't concentrate: my mind is always wandering and I can't keep it focused on anything.
• Let me get this clear/straight in my mind [=let me understand this clearly]: are you saying that she was lying to me all along?
• I can't get that image out of my mind. = I can't stop seeing that image in my mind. = That image is stuck in my mind.
• The smell of pine sends my mind back to childhood.
• The sound of her voice jerked my mind back to the present.
• My mind tells me it can't work, but my heart tells me I want to try it.
• We must appeal to and win (over) the hearts and minds of the people. [=the emotions and the reasoning of the people]
• His conscious mind had forgotten the incident, but the memory of it was still buried somewhere in his subconscious/unconscious mind.
• There's absolutely no doubt in my mind about his guilt. [=I am sure that he is guilty]
• I know you're disappointed by their decision, but you should just put that out of your mind [=stop thinking about that] and go back to work.
• I'll handle the schedule. Just put it out of your mind. [=don't think or worry about it]
• Is there something on your mind? [=is there something troubling you?; are you worried or bothered about something?]
• Why don't you just say what's on your mind? [=why don't you just say what you are thinking?]
• I wish there were some way I could ease your (troubled) mind. = I wish there were some way I could set/put your mind at ease/rest. [=could make you stop worrying]
• These problems have been preying/weighing on his mind. [=he has been worrying about these problems]
• The safety of the children should be foremost/uppermost in all our minds now. [=we should all be thinking most about the safety of the children now]
• The idea that we might lose was the furthest thing from my mind. [=I never thought that we might lose]
• I have no intention of quitting my job. Nothing could be further from my mind.
• She says that getting married again is the last thing on her mind right now. [=she is not thinking at all about getting married again]
• What was going/running through your mind [=what were you thinking] when you agreed to do this?
• His name slips/escapes my mind at the moment. [=I can't remember his name]
✦If something (such as an illness) is all in your/the mind, you are imagining it.
• He thinks he's very ill, but it's all in his mind.
✦If your mind is set on something or you have your mind set on something, you are very determined to do or to get something.
• Her mind is set on becoming a doctor. = She has her mind set on becoming a doctor.
[noncount]
• It's important to be healthy in both body and mind.
• He's in a bad/good state of mind. [=he's in a bad/good mood]
• Installing a security system in your home will give you greater peace of mind. [=a feeling of being safe or protected]
- see also frame of mind, presence of mind
2 [count]
- used to describe the way a person thinks or the intelligence of a person
• She has a brilliant mind.
• He has an inquisitive/inquiring mind.
• He's an evil man with a warped/twisted mind.
• He's recognized as having one of the sharpest minds [=intellects] in this field.
3
- used in phrases that describe someone as mentally ill or crazy
• There's something wrong with him. He's not in his right mind. [=he is mentally ill]
• No one in their right mind would try such a stunt. = Who in their right mind would try such a stunt?
• (law) She claims that her father was not of sound mind when he changed his will. = She claims her father was of unsound mind. [=was not sane or rational]
- usually used informally in an exaggerated way
• What a ridiculous idea! You must be out of your mind [=crazy] to believe that.
• I was (going) out of my mind with worry. [=I was extremely worried]
• I feel like I'm losing my mind. = I feel like I'm going out of my mind. [=I feel like I'm going crazy]
• That noise is driving me out of my mind! [=driving me crazy]
✦The phrase out of your mind is also used informally to make a statement stronger.
• I was bored out of my mind. [=I was very bored]
• She was frightened out of her mind.
4 [count] : a very intelligent person
• Many of the world's greatest minds in physics will be attending the convention.
5 [noncount] : a particular way of thinking about a situation
• Everyone at the meeting was of like mind [=everyone agreed] about how to proceed.
• She is of the same mind as me. [=she agrees with me]
• We're all of one mind about him [=we all agree about him]: he's the one we want.
• To/In my mind, that's wrong.
6 [noncount] : attention that is given to a person or thing
• Try to relax and take/get/keep your mind off your problems. [=stop thinking about your problems]
• I'm finding it hard to keep my mind on my work. [=to concentrate on my work]
• After finishing work on the remodeling project, she was able to turn her mind to [=direct her attention to; work on] other matters.
• Don't pay him any mind. [=don't pay attention to him; ignore him]
• He kept talking but she paid him no mind.
• You shouldn't pay any/much mind to what he says.
a meeting of (the) minds
- see meeting
at/in the back of your mind
- see 1back
blow someone's mind informal : to strongly affect someone's mind with shock, confusion, etc. : to amaze or overwhelm someone's mind
• The music really blew my mind.
• The thought of all she's accomplished at such a young age just blows my mind.
- see also mind-blowing
call/bring (something) to mind : to cause (something) to be remembered or thought of
• Seeing her again brought to mind the happy times we spent together in college.
change someone's mind : to cause someone to change an opinion or decision
• I tried to convince her, but I couldn't change her mind.
change your mind : to change your decision or opinion about something
• He wasn't going to come, but at the last minute he changed his mind.
• I tried to convince her, but she wouldn't change her mind.
come/spring/leap to mind : to be remembered or thought of
• What comes to mind when you hear his name?
• I didn't mean to offend you. I just said the first thing that came to/into my mind.
concentrate the/your mind
- see 1concentrate
cross someone's mind
- see 2cross
enter your mind
- see enter
give someone a piece of your mind : to speak to someone in an angry way
• He stopped making so much noise after I went over there and gave him a piece of my mind.
have a good mind or have half a mind
✦If you have a good mind or have half a mind to do something, you have a feeling that you want to do it, especially because you are angry or annoyed, but you will probably not do it.
• I have a good mind to go over there and tell him to be quiet.
• I have half a mind to tell her what I really think of her.
have a mind like a sieve
- see 1sieve
have a mind of your own : to have your own ideas and make your own choices about what should be done
• Her parents want her to go to college, but she has a mind of her own and she insists on trying to become an actress.
- often used figuratively
• I can't get the camera to work right. It seems to have a mind of its own.
have (someone or something) in mind : to be thinking of (someone or something): such as
a : to be thinking of choosing (someone) for a job, position, etc.
• They have you in mind for the job. [=they are thinking of giving the job to you]
b : to be thinking of doing (something)
• “I'd like to do something special for our anniversary.” “What sort of thing did you have in mind?”
• He had it in mind [=intended] to leave the business to his daughter.
in mind : in your thoughts
• We designed this product with people like you in mind. [=we designed it for people like you]
• He went into the bar with trouble in mind. [=intending to cause trouble]
• Before you disregard his advice, keep/bear in mind [=remember] that he is regarded as one of the leading experts in this field.
• We have a limited amount of money to spend, and we need to keep that in mind [=think of that; consider that] while we're planning our vacation.
in your mind's eye
- see 1eye
know your own mind
- see 1know
make up your mind : to make a decision about something
• I can't make up my mind [=decide] where to take my vacation.
• He had made up his mind not to go.
• He's thinking about going, but he still hasn't made up his mind (about it).
• He's not going. His mind is made up. [=he has made a decision and will not change it]
• I can't decide for you. You'll have to make up your own mind.
mind over matter
- used to describe a situation in which someone is able to control a physical condition, problem, etc., by using the mind
• His ability to keep going even when he is tired is a simple question of mind over matter.
of two minds US or Brit in two minds : not decided or certain about something : having two opinions or ideas about something
• I can't make up my mind where to take my vacation: I'm of two minds about where to go.
• I'm of two minds about (hiring) him: he seems well-qualified, but he doesn't have much experience.
open your mind
- see 2open
put (someone) in mind of (something) : to cause (someone) to remember or think of (something)
• What happened to you yesterday puts me in mind of [=reminds me of] what happened to me a year ago.
put/set your mind to (something) : to give your attention to (something) and try very hard to do it
• You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.
• We can solve this problem if we put our minds to it.
read someone's mind : to know exactly what someone is thinking
• “I think we should go out to a movie tonight.” “You read my mind. I was thinking the same thing.”
• It's as if you could read my mind.
• He claims that he has the ability to read minds.
- see also mind reader
speak your mind : to say what you think : to state your opinion
• If you don't agree with him, don't be afraid to speak your mind.
take a load/weight off your mind : to make you stop worrying about something
• Hearing that she's safe has really taken a load off my mind!
