English Vocabulary for learners
Expressions with 'MIND'
from: 'back of your mind'
to: 'a load off your mind'
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| At the back of your mind | Something that you are not thinking about right now but is in your thoughts. | At the back of my mind is the fear of failing the test. |
| Be in two minds | Be undecided. | I'm in two minds about what to do. |
| Bear/keep in mind | Remember | Bear in mind that no food will be served on board. |
| Bring to mind | Recall something | Fish and chip shops bring to mind my holidays in Britain. |
| Broadens the mind | Helps you understand more about different subjects, people, ideas and places. | Travel broadens the mind. |
| Change your mind | Change your decision | I was going to go sailing but I changed my mind when I saw the weather. |
| Cross your mind | Come into your thoughts as a possibility | It crossed my mind that the child might be hungry. |
| Get something or something out of your mind | Stop thinking about someone or something | No matter how hard I try I can't get the accident out of my mind. |
| Give someone a piece of your mind | Express your disapproval in a firm or angry manner. | I'm going to give those kids a piece of my mind about the noise they're making. |
| Go out of your mind | Go crazy or be insane | You're going to walk across the desert? Have you gone out of your mind? |
| Have a good mine/half a mind | Feel tempted or be inclined to do something that you will probably not do. | I've a good mind/half a mind to ask for my money back! |
| Have something in mind | Be considering something | We haven't decided where we're going yet but we've got something in mind. |
| Have a lot on your mind | Have a lot of thoughts, worries and concerns in your head. | You can see he's preoccupied. He's got a lot on his mind these days. |
| Have an open mind / be open-minded | Be receptive to other people's opinions or ideas. | I went into the meeting with an open mind. |
| Have a mind of your own | Be capable of making your own decisions | Emma doesn't need any advice; she's got a mind of her own. |
| Last thing on your mind | Of the least importance to you | I'm too busy to eat! Food is the last thing on my mind right now. |
| Lose your mind | Go crazy | Jack nearly lost his mind when he missed the flight! |
| Make up your mind | Reach a decision | There are many options. I can't make up my mind. |
| Mind over matter | The mental power to influence one's body and overcome physical difficulties. | His illness was incurable but he lived until the baby was born – a case of mind over matter. |
| Mind your own business (rude) | Stop interfering! |
Don't tell me what to do. Mind your own business! |
| Mind your language | Be careful what you say. | My grandfather won't tolerate any rudeness so mind your language! |
| Mind your P's and Q's | Behave properly; show good manners. | You'd better mind your P's and Q's when you go to meet your future in-laws! |
| Mind the step | Be careful where you walk. | Mind your step getting off the train. |
| My mind went blank | Forget everything momentarily or be unable to think clearly. | I was so nervous during the test that my mind went blank! |
| Never mind | Don't worry. It's not important. | "Sorry I can't be of help." "Never mind. It's OK." |
| Not in your right mind | Not behaving in a logical or sensible way. |
Julie wasn't in her right mind when she bought those ridiculous shoes. |
| One-track mind | Think about only one subject | That boy has a one-track mind; all he thinks about is football ! |
| Out of sight, out of mind | Forget someone you don't see frequently. | As soon as he retired he was forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind! |
| Peace of mind | State of tranquillity with no worries | I will have peace of mind when my son passes his exams. |
| Put your mind at ease. | Reassure you. | Let me put your mind at ease. Your travel expenses will be paid by the company. |
| Read someone's mind | Guess someone's thoughts or have the same idea | Yes, I think we should take a taxi. You read my mind! |
| Slip your mind | Forget something. | I forgot the electrician was coming. It completely slipped my mind! |
| Speak your mind | Say frankly what you think | Andy always speaks his mind but he's not always diplomatic. |
| Take your mind off something. | Stops you thinking about something unpleasant. | Talking to people takes his mind off the pain. |
| Takes a load off your mind | Relieves someone of a worry or problem. | The children are safe? That takes a load off my mind. |