'At the Back of One's Mind' Meaning and Examples

The idiom "at the back of one's mind" refers to a thought or idea that is lingering in a person's subconscious, not immediately noticeable or conscious but still present and potentially affecting their actions or decisions.

It's often used to describe when someone has a thought that they're not aware of or trying to ignore but still influences their behavior.

'At the Back of One's Mind' Meaning and Examples

As a part of speech, "at the back of one's mind" is typically used as an adverbial phrase to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and it's used to describe a state of mind or the location of a thought.

Some synonyms for "at the back of one's mind" include "in the back of one's mind," "in the depths of one's mind," "in the subconscious," and "at the bottom of one's mind."

The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it likely stems from the concept of the conscious and unconscious mind and the idea that not all thoughts and ideas are immediately accessible to the conscious mind.

Sample sentences using "at the back of one's mind":

She had the thought of quitting her job at the back of her mind for a while before finally taking the leap.
The fear of failure was always at the back of his mind during the competition.
The possibility of moving to a new city was at the back of her mind, but she wasn't ready to make the decision just yet.
The thought of not being able to see his family again was at the back of his mind, but he tried to push it aside and focus on his work.
The idea of starting a family was always at the back of her mind, but she felt like she wasn't ready for the responsibility.
He had a nagging feeling at the back of his mind that he was forgetting something important.
The memory of her past experiences was always at the back of her mind, informing her decisions and shaping her worldview.
The fear of rejection was at the back of his mind as he approached her, but he forced himself to take the risk.
The thought of never being able to achieve her dream was at the back of her mind, but she refused to give up.
The idea of traveling the world was always at the back of his mind, and he finally made the decision to save up and go on an adventure.

Comments

Will-o'-the-Wisp: Meaning, Origin, Synonyms, and How to Use It in a Sentence

Have you ever heard someone say something was like "a will-o'-the-wisp"? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel — and in many ways, it is. This mysterious phrase has deep roots in folklore and is still used in modern language to describe elusive hopes, misleading goals, or mysterious lights in the dark. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the meaning , synonyms , origin , usage , and provide example sentences to help you understand and use "will-o'-the-wisp" effectively. 🌟 What Is the Meaning of "Will-o'-the-Wisp"? A will-o'-the-wisp is: A ghostly or mysterious light seen at night, especially over marshy ground, believed in folklore to lead travelers astray. Figuratively , it refers to something elusive or unattainable — like a goal or dream that always seems just out of reach. 🗣 Synonyms for "Will-o'-the-Wisp" While the term is unique, here are some contextual synonyms that match its figurative ...

'Strings Attached' Idiom Meaning and Examples

The idiom " strings attached " is an expression used to indicate that a certain favor or benefit comes with conditions or limitations. It is usually used to refer to an offer that sounds too good to be true, because it often is. This idiom can be used both in literal and figurative contexts. Synonyms for this phrase include “ conditional offer ”, “ conditional favor ”, “ conditional benefit ” or “ with a catch ”. This idiom is a noun phrase, used to refer to the conditions that accompany a certain offer or benefit. The origin of this phrase is not known, but it is likely related to the idea of being attached to strings, or something that can be easily manipulated or controlled. Examples of how this idiom can be used in a sentence include: I heard he's giving out free computers but with strings attached. She said I could use her car, but there were strings attached. He offered me a promotion, but of course there are strings attached. He said he'll pa...

The Cherry on Top: An Exploration of This Delightful Idiom

Meaning The idiom "the cherry on top" refers to the final touch that makes something exceptionally good. It describes a delightful or perfect addition to an already positive or impressive situation. Think of it as an extra flourish that brings satisfaction or enhances the overall experience. Usage This idiom is commonly used to highlight a bonus or an additional benefit. It’s versatile and appears in contexts ranging from casual conversations to professional settings. Here are a few examples: "The project was already a success, but the glowing client review was the cherry on top." "Winning the championship was incredible, and being named MVP was the cherry on top." "The free dessert at the restaurant was the cherry on top of a fantastic evening." Etymology and History The phrase originates from the practice of placing a cherry as the decorative final touch on desserts, such as sundaes, cakes, and pastries. This tradition emerged in the ...

💛 What Does Yellow-Livered Mean? 🐔 Unpacking This Bold Old Insult

Language is a living time capsule, holding centuries of culture, emotion, and expression. One of the more colorful idioms still echoing from the past is “yellow-livered” — a phrase packed with history, emotion, and character judgment. But what does it really mean to call someone yellow-livered , and how can we use it effectively (and ethically) today? 📜 Origin & Meaning of Yellow-Livered 🧬 The adjective yellow-livered is an old-fashioned and somewhat theatrical insult meaning cowardly or lacking in courage . The phrase comes from the outdated belief that the liver was the seat of emotions and character. In old medical theories, especially those stemming from the humoral theory of ancient Greece, a healthy liver was associated with bravery and vigor. A “yellow” liver , associated with bile, suggested sickness, weakness, or fear . So, to be yellow-livered is to be timid, spineless, or afraid to face challenges , especially in situations where bravery is expected. Lingui...

🌟 Unpacking the Phrase: What Does “Wrapped Up In” Really Mean? 🎁

In everyday language, we often use idioms to express emotions, involvement, or priorities. One such expression is “wrapped up in” , which might sound simple at first but actually carries layers of meaning. From being emotionally invested to physically covered or fully occupied, the phrase serves as a vivid linguistic tool. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning of “wrapped up in” from different angles, providing context, examples, and insight into its versatile use across scenarios. 🎭 Emotional Angle: When You’re Wrapped Up in Feelings ❤️ The phrase is most commonly used to convey deep emotional involvement. When someone says they are wrapped up in a relationship, a problem, or a past experience, it means their mind and heart are entirely preoccupied by it. This usage reflects how emotional experiences can consume our thoughts and influence our actions. For example: “She was so wrapped up in her grief that she barely noticed the days passing by.” This emotiona...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog