10 Common Idioms with MIND

In this lesson, you will learn 10 common idioms with MIND that are often used in conversations. 


​ON YOUR MIND 
If someone or something is on your mind, you keep thinking or worrying about it. 

Examples: 

• You've been on my mind all day. (= I've been thinking about you.) 
• It's difficult to study if you have something on your mind. 
• I can't bother my mum right now - she's got a lot on her mind. 
• Sorry I forgot to call you last night. I've got a lot on my mind these days. (= a lot of problems to worry about) 

​COME TO MIND | SPRING TO MIND 
If something comes to mind or springs to mind, it is the first thing you think of. 

Examples: 

• He asked for my opinion, but nothing came to mind. 
• I was thinking about who might be suitable for this position, and your name came to mind. 
• When talking about famous businessmen, three names immediately spring to mind. 

Note: Do not say that something ‘comes to your mind’ or ‘springs to your mind’. Say that it comes to mind or springs to mind. 


SLIP YOUR MIND 
If something slips your mind, you forget it. 

Examples: 

• 'I told you about the event two weeks ago. How could you forget something so important?' -- 'I'm sorry, it just slipped my mind.' 
• I'm sorry I didn't call you back earlier. It completely slipped my mind. 
• I sometimes have so much to do that the most important tasks slip my mind. 
• Her birthday completely slipped my mind. 

CROSS SOMEONE'S MIND 
If something crosses your mind, you think about it for a short time. 

Examples: 

• The idea crossed my mind as you were speaking.
• It never crossed my mind that he might be married. (= I never thought about that.) 
• What was the first thing that crossed your mind when you won the competition? 

KEEP (SOMETHING) IN MIND | BEAR (SOMETHING) IN MIND 
When you remember something, especially something that will be important in the future. 

Examples: 

• Thanks for your advice – I’ll keep it in mind. 
• Keep that in mind when you make your decision. 
• Bear in mind that the price doesn't include flights. 
• Don't spend all your money at once. Keep in mind that it has to last you all week. 

MAKE UP YOUR MIND 
When something makes you stop thinking or worrying about something. 

Examples: 

• I like them both - I can't make up my mind. (= I can't decide which one to buy.) 
• I can't make up my mind which universities to apply to. 
• I can't make up my mind what to study. 

​
CHANGE YOUR MIND | CHANGE SOMEONE'S MIND 
It is used when you change a decision you have made or an opinion that you had. 

Examples: 

• Nothing will make me change my mind. 
• We've changed our minds about selling the car. 
• We changed our minds and decided to go camping instead of skiing. 
• He's already decided to live abroad. It would be impossible to change his mind. 
• She's still very young. She might change her mind about what she wants to do in the future. 

Note: You may change your mind or someone else may change your mind. 

​
TAKE YOUR MIND OFF SOMETHING | TAKE SOMEONE'S MIND OFF SOMETHING 
When something makes you stop thinking or worrying about something. 

Examples: 

• Going back to work helped take my mind off things. 
• I often go for a walk to take my mind off my studies. 
• Why don't you go out for a few hours? It will take your mind off exams. 
• I was upset about my exam results, but I went out with some friends to take my mind off it. 

AT THE BACK OF YOUR MIND | IN THE BACK OF YOUR MIND 
If a thought is at the back of your mind, you are aware of it, though it is not the main thing you are thinking about. 

Examples: 

• It's been at the back of my mind to call you for several days now. 
• At the back of my mind, I knew she was lying. 

SOMEONE'S MIND GOES BLANK (informal) 
If you mind goes blank, you suddenly cannot remember something. 

Examples: 

• When he asked me for my number, my mind went completely blank. 
• Even though I studied hard, my mind went blank on the exam day. 

Other lessons: 
English Conversation: Saying Goodbye 
Common Phrases in Spoken English (Part 1) 
Common Phrases in Spoken English (Part 2) 
Spoken English: How to Agree and Show Interest 
Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking and Everyday English 


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