at the back of one's mind

Hi, Teachers.

I just looked up the idiom at the back of one's mind in two dictionaries, and the results are as follows:

(1) in one's thoughts, but without being of immediate or central concern : At the back of his mind was the vague idea that he had met her before. (Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary)

(2) a thought that is at the back of your mind is one you try to ignore because you do not want it to be true: At the back of her mind was the thought that he might be with someone else. (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English)

(1) seems to refer to some faint, uncertain thoughts but (2) to some uncomfortable, even sad ones. Which one do you think more exact? Or can you give me another more perfect explanation for this somewhat subtle idiom?

Thanks in advance.

Enydia

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Originally Posted by enydia

Hi, Teachers.

I just looked up the idiom at the back of one's mind in two dictionaries, and the results are as follows:

(1) in one's thoughts, but without being of immediate or central concern : At the back of his mind was the vague idea that he had met her before. (Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary)

(2) a thought that is at the back of your mind is one you try to ignore because you do not want it to be true: At the back of her mind was the thought that he might be with someone else. (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English)

(1) seems to refer to some faint, uncertain thoughts but (2) to some uncomfortable, even sad ones. Which one do you think more exact? Or can you give me another more perfect explanation for this somewhat subtle idiom?

Thanks in advance.

Enydia

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Both examples are good "at the back of your/his/her mind" is neutral, it can be something pleasant, something worrying or even some vague idea of recognition of another. :-)

I have been thinking about it, but it is not always in the front of my mind. Example:

The safety slogan contest has been in the back of my mind for a while.

:-)

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Originally Posted by RonBee

I have been thinking about it, but it is not always in the front of my mind. [Is this also an idiom or something you invent? :-D] Example:

The safety slogan contest [What kind of contest is this?:oops:] has been in the back of my mind for a while.

:-)

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;-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by enydia

can you give me another more perfect explanation for this somewhat subtle idiom?

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Alternative definitions:

At the back of your/one's mind
It refers to the half-formed thoughts and half-remembered facts that you know are there in your head, but you 'can't quite put your finger on them.' Other facts/names may be 'on the tip of your tongue' but you just can't recall the actual words.

English as a Second Language: in the front/back of one's mind, tip of your tongue, kind attention



The remote part of one's mind or memory, as in With the idea of quitting in the back of his mind, he turned down the next assignment. [c. 1900]

back of one's mind: Information and Much More from Answers.com



at the back of one's mind
deep inside someone's memory

at the back of one's mind | English | Dictionary & Translation by Babylon



Definition: Remembered but not consciously thought of. Explanation: If something is at the back of your mind, you intend to do it, but are not actively thinking about it. It is always in your mind even when you do not spend time thinking about it. Examples: "It's been at the back of my mind to call Candace all day today, but I haven't gotten around to it yet."

Idioms Glossary -- at the back of beyond - at the crossroads

Something has been at the back of one's mind - can you call it 'lingering thoughts?