The mind shapes how we think, feel, and act. English idioms about the mind add color and depth to our language by expressing complex mental states and processes in vivid ways. This guide presents 31 original idioms about the mind, complete with clear meanings, fresh example sentences, and alternative phrases. At the end, you’ll find 10 fill-in-the-blank exercises to help you practice and internalize these expressions, boosting your fluency and confidence.
1. Bear in Mind
Meaning: To remember or consider something important.
In a Sentence: Bear in mind that patience is key when learning a new skill.
Other Ways to Say: Keep in mind, Don’t forget
2. Make Up Your Mind
Meaning: To decide firmly on something.
In a Sentence: She couldn’t make up her mind between the blue and green dress.
Other Ways to Say: Decide, Choose
3. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Meaning: When something is not visible, it is easily forgotten.
In a Sentence: I stopped worrying about the problem once it was out of sight, out of mind.
Other Ways to Say: Forgotten when not seen, Out of view, out of thought
4. Cross Your Mind
Meaning: To think briefly about something.
In a Sentence: It crossed my mind to call him, but I decided not to.
Other Ways to Say: Occur to you, Enter your thoughts
5. Speak Your Mind
Meaning: To express your honest opinion.
In a Sentence: Don’t hesitate to speak your mind during the meeting.
Other Ways to Say: Say what you think, Share your thoughts
6. Peace of Mind
Meaning: A feeling of calm and freedom from worry.
In a Sentence: Knowing my family is safe gives me peace of mind.
Other Ways to Say: Calmness, Tranquility
7. Have Something on Your Mind
Meaning: To be thinking or worrying about something.
In a Sentence: You look distracted; do you have something on your mind?
Other Ways to Say: Be concerned about, Think about
8. A Load Off Your Mind
Meaning: Relief from worry or stress.
In a Sentence: Finishing the project was a load off my mind.
Other Ways to Say: Worry lifted, Relief
9. Mind Your Own Business
Meaning: Focus on your own affairs rather than others’.
In a Sentence: He told me to mind my own business when I asked about his plans.
Other Ways to Say: Stay out of it, Don’t interfere
10. Have an Open Mind
Meaning: To be willing to consider new ideas.
In a Sentence: Try to have an open mind when meeting new people.
Other Ways to Say: Be receptive, Be flexible
11. State of Mind
Meaning: One’s mental or emotional condition.
In a Sentence: A positive state of mind helps you overcome challenges.
Other Ways to Say: Mood, Mental condition
12. Mind Your Manners
Meaning: To behave politely.
In a Sentence: Always mind your manners when visiting someone’s home.
Other Ways to Say: Be courteous, Show respect
13. Slip Your Mind
Meaning: To forget something.
In a Sentence: I meant to call her, but it completely slipped my mind.
Other Ways to Say: Forget, Overlook
14. Blow Your Mind
Meaning: To amaze or surprise greatly.
In a Sentence: The magician’s tricks will blow your mind!
Other Ways to Say: Amaze, Astound
15. Out of Your Mind
Meaning: To be very worried, upset, or irrational.
In a Sentence: She was out of her mind with worry about the test results.
Other Ways to Say: Distraught, Crazy
16. Put Your Mind to Something
Meaning: To focus and work hard on a goal.
In a Sentence: You can succeed if you put your mind to it.
Other Ways to Say: Concentrate, Dedicate yourself
17. Change Your Mind
Meaning: To decide differently than before.
In a Sentence: I was going to go out, but I changed my mind.
Other Ways to Say: Rethink, Reverse decision
18. Mind Over Matter
Meaning: Using willpower to overcome physical or mental challenges.
In a Sentence: Running the marathon was all about mind over matter.
Other Ways to Say: Willpower, Mental strength
19. Set Your Mind at Ease
Meaning: To stop worrying.
In a Sentence: The doctor’s reassurance set my mind at ease.
Other Ways to Say: Calm down, Relax
20. Have a Sharp Mind
Meaning: To be quick and clever in thinking.
In a Sentence: She has a sharp mind and solves problems quickly.
Other Ways to Say: Intelligent, Quick-witted
21. Boggle Your Mind
Meaning: To confuse or amaze someone.
In a Sentence: The complexity of the puzzle boggled my mind.
Other Ways to Say: Confuse, Puzzle
22. Mind Like a Steel Trap
Meaning: To have an excellent memory.
In a Sentence: He remembers every detail because he has a mind like a steel trap.
Other Ways to Say: Sharp memory, Retentive mind
23. Have Half a Mind
Meaning: To be somewhat inclined to do something.
In a Sentence: I have half a mind to skip the meeting today.
Other Ways to Say: Consider, Think about
24. Mind Your Head
Meaning: Be careful not to hit your head.
In a Sentence: Mind your head when you enter the attic.
Other Ways to Say: Watch your head, Be cautious
25. Mind Your Step
Meaning: Be careful where you walk.
In a Sentence: Mind your step on the icy path.
Other Ways to Say: Watch your footing, Be careful
26. Rack Your Brain
Meaning: To think very hard about something.
In a Sentence: I racked my brain trying to remember her name.
Other Ways to Say: Think deeply, Struggle to remember
27. Keep in Mind
Meaning: To remember or consider something.
In a Sentence: Keep in mind that deadlines are important.
Other Ways to Say: Bear in mind, Remember
28. Mind Your Language
Meaning: To watch what you say, especially to avoid rude words.
In a Sentence: Please mind your language when talking to guests.
Other Ways to Say: Watch your words, Be polite
29. Mind Your Ps and Qs
Meaning: To be careful about your behavior or manners.
In a Sentence: Mind your Ps and Qs at the dinner table.
Other Ways to Say: Behave properly, Be courteous
30. Mind Like a Sieve
Meaning: To have a poor memory.
In a Sentence: I forgot my keys again; I have a mind like a sieve.
Other Ways to Say: Forgetful, Absent-minded
31. Mind Your Own Head
Meaning: To be careful about your own thoughts or health.
In a Sentence: Mind your own head when working in the cramped space.
Other Ways to Say: Be cautious, Take care
10 Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom from the list above:
- Before making a decision, always ___ in mind the possible consequences.
- I forgot to bring my notes; it completely ___ my mind.
- She told me to ___ my own business when I asked about her plans.
- You need to ___ your manners when meeting new people.
- The magician’s performance will definitely ___ your mind.
- After studying hard, he finally put his ___ to passing the exam.
- I have ___ a mind to call in sick today.
- Please ___ your head when you enter the low doorway.
- When walking on the wet floor, ___ your step carefully.
- I had to ___ my brain to solve that tricky riddle.
Answers
- bear
- slipped
- mind
- mind
- blow
- mind
- half a
- mind
- mind
- rack
Conclusion
Idioms about the mind enrich your language by vividly expressing thoughts, decisions, memories, and mental states. Using these idioms will make your English more engaging and expressive. Practice regularly with the exercises to confidently incorporate them into your daily conversations and writing.