put someone in mind of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put someone in mind of’ mean?
The idiom "put someone in mind of" means to remind someone of something or someone. It implies that the person or thing being referred to evokes thoughts or memories similar to another person or thing.
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.
The idiom "see things" means to perceive or experience something in a particular way, often different from reality. It implies a subjective understanding or interpretation of a situation or event.
The idiom "rub salt in someone's wounds" means to deliberately make someone's pain or sadness worse by reminding them of a painful experience or adding insult to injury.
The idiom "rub salt in someone's wounds" is a common phrase in the English language that dates back to the 16th century. It is derived from the act of physically applying salt to a wound, which was considered a cruel and painful practice.
The idiom "rub off on" means to influence or have an impact on someone, typically in terms of their behavior, attitude, or habits.
The idiom "rub in" means to emphasize or remind someone of something, often in a way that causes annoyance or embarrassment.
The idiom "refresh someone's memory" means to remind someone about something they have forgotten or to help them recall information or details. It is often used when someone needs a reminder or clarification about something they already know.
The idiom "put store in" means to have confidence or belief in something or someone, and to place importance or value on that person or thing.
The idiom "put store by" means to attach importance or have faith in something. It implies valuing or relying on a particular thing or belief.
The idiom "put something into perspective" means to consider a situation or issue in relation to its true importance or significance, in order to gain a better understanding or judgment of it.
The Evocative Similarity:
The idiom "put someone in mind of" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a reminder or evokes a certain memory or association. It is used when something or someone reminds you of someone or something else. The origin and etymology of this idiom can be traced back to its literal meaning and the figurative use over time.
Initially, the idiom "put someone in mind of" can be understood literally, as it refers to the act of putting someone in a specific mindset or state of mind. The verb "put" implies an action of causing someone to be in a certain mental state, while "mind" refers to someone's thoughts or consciousness. In this literal sense, the idiom suggests the ability to influence or shape someone's thoughts or perceptions. It can be related to the idiom "come to mind" which means something appears or occurs in your thoughts and is similar to "jog someone's memory" and "refresh someone's memory" that mean to remind someone of something they've forgotten or didn't immediately remember.
Over time, the idiom has taken on a figurative meaning, becoming a way to express how something or someone triggers a memory or association. When an object, situation, or person puts someone in mind of someone or something else, it means that it brings forward a resemblance, similarity, or connection to that person or thing. It serves as a prompt or reminder that creates a mental link between the present experience and a past memory or association. This can be related to the idiom "put someone on to" which means to inform or introduce someone to something or someone.
There are numerous examples of how the idiom "put someone in mind of" is used in everyday conversations. For instance, if you see a specific painting that reminds you of an artist's style, you could say, "This painting puts me in mind of Van Gogh's work." Alternatively, if a person's smile reminds you of your grandmother's warm and welcoming smile, you might say, "Your smile puts me in mind of my dear grandmother." This can be related to the idiom "have in mind" which means to have a specific idea, plan, or intention in your thoughts.
It is important to note that the idiom can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It can evoke pleasant memories, nostalgic moments, or positive associations, but it can also bring forth negative or unwanted thoughts or comparisons. It allows individuals to evoke an array of emotions and thoughts and can be related to the idiom "come to mind" in this sense as well.
The idiom "put someone in mind of" is a phrase used to convey how something or someone reminds you of someone or something else. It can be traced back to its literal meaning of putting someone in a specific mindset, and over time, it has acquired a figurative sense of triggering memories or associations. This idiom offers a concise way to express the connection between past experiences and the present moment, allowing individuals to evoke an array of emotions and thoughts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom put someone in mind of can be used in a sentence:
- Watching the old black and white film Casablanca put me in mind of the classic Hollywood era.
- The aroma of freshly baked bread always puts me in mind of my grandmother's kitchen.
- The way she dances, with grace and elegance, puts me in mind of a ballet dancer.
More "Comparison" idioms
