come to mind: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come to mind’ mean?
The idiom "come to mind" means to suddenly think of something or someone, usually when prompted by a particular word, situation or memory.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "spring to mind" means to suddenly think of something or to come to one's thoughts without any conscious effort. It usually refers to a quick and spontaneous realization or recollection of information or ideas.
When something *leaps to mind*, it means that an idea or thought quickly springs into one's consciousness without much effort. It indicates an instant and obvious association with a particular topic or situation.
The idiom "jog someone's memory" means to remind someone of something they have forgotten or to help them remember something. It is often used in situations where someone is trying to recall information or events from the past.
The idiom "in recent memory" refers to a specific period of time that is easily remembered or recalled. It implies that something is significant or noteworthy within that timeframe.
The idiom "hit upon" is a commonly used phrase in American English that carries a specific meaning.
The idiom "have in mind" means to have a specific idea or plan in one's thoughts or intentions.
The idiom *front of mind* means that something is at the forefront of someone's thoughts or attention, and is constantly on their mind.
The idiom "flash back" refers to a sudden and vivid memory or recollection of a past event that is triggered by a current experience or stimulus.
The idiom "dawn on" means to suddenly understand or realize something, often after a period of confusion or lack of awareness.
The idiom "dawn on" is a common English expression that describes the moment when someone suddenly understands or realizes something. It is often used to express a gradual process of comprehension, as if a new understanding is slowly breaking through the darkness and becoming clear.
The idiom "come to someone's rescue" means to save or help someone in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Mind-boggling mental associations
When discussing the idiom "come to mind", it is important to note its relation to other idioms that convey a similar meaning. These related idioms include "spring to mind", "come to mention it", "leap to mind", "have in mind", and "come to". Let's explore each of these idioms in more detail within the context of "come to mind".
The idiom "spring to mind" shares the same concept as "come to mind" but emphasizes the suddenness or immediacy of the thought or memory. It suggests that the idea or thought comes to the forefront of one's consciousness without any conscious effort. For example, when asked about their favorite childhood book, someone might say, "Alice in Wonderland springs to mind."
"Come to mention it" is another related idiom that is often used in conversation to add something to a previous statement or to acknowledge a relevant fact. It suggests that the thought or memory prompted by the conversation suddenly enters one's mind. For instance, if someone says, "I love Italian food," and you remember a great Italian restaurant, you might reply, "Come to mention it, there's a fantastic Italian restaurant just down the street."
The idiom "leap to mind" conveys a sense of the thought or memory appearing in the mind almost instantaneously or with a sudden jump. It implies that the idea or memory is vivid and stands out among others. For example, if someone asks for a fun activity to do with friends, the idea of going to a theme park might "leap to mind" as a thrilling and enjoyable option.
"Have in mind" is an idiom that relates to the act of considering or planning something. It suggests that the thought or idea is already present in one's mind, possibly as a future plan or intention. For instance, if you say to a friend, "I have a vacation in mind," it indicates that you are already considering or planning a vacation.
The final related idiom is "come to". While similar to "come to mind", it has a broader meaning encompassing the sudden realization or understanding of something. It implies that the thought or knowledge emerges in one's mind, often after reflection or consideration. For example, if someone explains a complicated concept, you might say, "Ah, now it's coming to me," indicating that you are beginning to understand it.
Overall, these related idioms illustrate the various ways in which thoughts, memories, and ideas manifest in our minds. Whether they come to mind suddenly, spring to mind with immediacy, or leap into consciousness as a vivid recollection, these idioms capture the nuances of how our minds work. They provide us with a rich and versatile language to express the intricacies of human cognition and the dynamics of memory.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "come to mind" can be used in a sentence:
- When I think of summer, images of the beach and ice cream cones come to mind.
- As we were discussing potential candidates for the role, several names came to mind.
- While studying for the exam, important concepts and key points kept coming to mind.
More "Mental" idioms
