Sometimes, when people think deeply or try to solve a hard problem, they use special phrases to explain what’s going on in their heads. These are called idioms. Idioms are fun expressions that don’t always mean exactly what they say, but they help us understand what someone feels or is doing.
In this article, we will learn about idioms that people use when they are thinking. These phrases make stories and conversations more colorful. You’ll see how someone might “rack their brain” or have “food for thought.” These idioms can help you explain your own thinking and also understand others better. Let’s explore 30 idioms for thinking!
Idioms for Thinking
1. A trip down memory lane
Meaning: A nostalgic journey back to the past, remembering old experiences.
Samples: She took a trip down memory lane when she found her childhood photo album. / His story about his summer camp was a trip down memory lane.
To Put it Another Way: He recalled his old memories. / She thought about the past with fondness.
2. A blast from the past
Meaning: Something that reminds you of an earlier time.
Samples: That old song was a blast from the past, taking me back to high school. / The reunion was a blast from the past with everyone from our class.
To Put it Another Way: It felt like something from a long time ago. / That moment reminded me of old times.
3. In the back of your mind
Meaning: Something that you remember but don’t always think about.
Samples: I always keep the fun trip in the back of my mind. / Her birthday was in the back of my mind until I remembered.
To Put it Another Way: It’s something I remember, but I don’t think about often. / I keep that thought hidden.
4. Forgotten memories
Meaning: Memories that you have lost or no longer think about.
Samples: The old house holds many forgotten memories of my childhood. / We revisited forgotten memories when we saw the old park.
To Put it Another Way: These are memories I’ve lost touch with. / Those moments were once forgotten but now come back.
5. Leave a mark on someone
Meaning: To have a lasting impression or memory on someone.
Samples: That kind gesture will leave a mark on me forever. / The event left a mark on her, and she often thinks about it.
To Put it Another Way: It made a lasting impact on me. / She remembers that moment deeply.
6. Food for thought
Meaning: Something that makes you think carefully.
Samples: Her question gave me food for thought. / That idea is real food for thought.
To Put it Another Way: It made me stop and think. / I needed time to think about it.
7. Cross your mind
Meaning: To briefly think about something.
Samples: The idea crossed my mind during lunch. / Did it ever cross your mind to call him?
To Put it Another Way: I thought of it for a second. / That thought popped into my head.
8. Think outside the box
Meaning: To think in a creative or different way.
Samples: You need to think outside the box to solve this puzzle. / She thought outside the box and made a new plan.
To Put it Another Way: Use a new idea. / Be creative in your thinking.
9. A penny for your thoughts
Meaning: Asking someone what they are thinking about.
Samples: You’re so quiet, penny for your thoughts? / I saw him staring out the window and asked, “A penny for your thoughts?”
To Put it Another Way: Tell me what you’re thinking. / I want to know what’s on your mind.
10. Rack your brain
Meaning: To try very hard to remember or think about something.
Samples: I had to rack my brain to remember his name. / She racked her brain for the answer.
To Put it Another Way: I thought really hard. / I tried to remember something.
11. On second thought
Meaning: Changing your mind after thinking again.
Samples: I was going to skip the trip, but on second thought, I’ll go. / On second thought, let’s try another way.
To Put it Another Way: I changed my mind. / I thought again and chose something else.
12. Let that sink in
Meaning: To take time to fully understand something.
Samples: He got the prize it took a moment to let that sink in. / I had to let the news sink in before reacting.
To Put it Another Way: I needed time to believe it. / It was a lot to understand.
13. Off the top of your head
Meaning: Thinking of something quickly without deep thought.
Samples: Off the top of my head, I’d say 20 people came. / Can you name three states off the top of your head?
To Put it Another Way: I said it without thinking too much. / It was a quick guess.
14. In two minds
Meaning: Unsure about what to decide.
Samples: I’m in two minds about going to the party. / He was in two minds about joining the team.
To Put it Another Way: I can’t decide. / I’m not sure what to choose.
15. Piece of my mind
Meaning: To tell someone how you really feel, often when upset.
Samples: She gave him a piece of her mind for being late. / I gave my brother a piece of my mind after he broke my game.
To Put it Another Way: She spoke up about her feelings. / I told him what I really thought.
16. A brainwave
Meaning: A sudden smart idea.
Samples: I had a brainwave and solved the puzzle. / His brainwave helped us finish the project.
To Put it Another Way: I had a great idea suddenly. / A smart thought came to me.
17. A mind like a steel trap
Meaning: Having a sharp and quick memory.
Samples: She has a mind like a steel trap; she remembers everything. / He remembered every word because of his steel-trap mind.
To Put it Another Way: She never forgets anything. / His memory is super sharp.
18. Lost in thought
Meaning: Deeply thinking and not noticing what’s around.
Samples: He was lost in thought during class. / She didn’t hear me because she was lost in thought.
To Put it Another Way: I was thinking so hard I didn’t notice anything. / My mind was far away.
19. Keep something in mind
Meaning: To remember something for later.
Samples: Keep in mind the test is next week. / She told me to keep the rules in mind.
To Put it Another Way: Don’t forget this. / Remember it later.
20. Mind goes blank
Meaning: When you suddenly can’t think of anything.
Samples: My mind went blank during the quiz. / I wanted to speak, but my mind went blank.
To Put it Another Way: I forgot everything for a moment. / I couldn’t think at all.
21. Think it over
Meaning: To take time to decide something.
Samples: I need to think it over before I say yes. / Think it over and let me know.
To Put it Another Way: Take time to decide. / Don’t rush consider it.
22. Weigh your options
Meaning: Think about different choices before choosing.
Samples: He is weighing his options for summer camp. / We should weigh our options before picking a movie.
To Put it Another Way: Compare choices. / Think about what’s best.
23. Put on your thinking cap
Meaning: Try to think hard and seriously.
Samples: It’s time to put on your thinking cap for the puzzle. / Let’s put on our thinking caps to solve this.
To Put it Another Way: Try hard to think. / Focus your brain.
24. A lot on your mind
Meaning: Thinking or worrying about many things.
Samples: She has a lot on her mind with school and sports. / He couldn’t sleep too much on his mind.
To Put it Another Way: I’m thinking about many things. / My mind is full.
25. Change your mind
Meaning: To decide something different.
Samples: I changed my mind and stayed home. / He changed his mind about the snack.
To Put it Another Way: I picked something else. / I decided differently.
26. Train of thought
Meaning: The direction or path your thinking is going.
Samples: I lost my train of thought when you interrupted me. / Let me finish my train of thought.
To Put it Another Way: I forgot what I was thinking. / Let me stay focused on my idea.
27. Speak your mind
Meaning: To say exactly what you think.
Samples: He always speaks his mind in class. / She’s not afraid to speak her mind.
To Put it Another Way: She says her real thoughts. / He tells people what he believes.
28. A thought crossed my mind
Meaning: You suddenly think about something.
Samples: A thought crossed my mind during dinner. / That idea just crossed my mind.
To Put it Another Way: I just thought of something. / A quick idea popped up.
29. Keep an open mind
Meaning: Be willing to consider new ideas.
Samples: Try to keep an open mind about the new teacher. / We should keep an open mind and listen.
To Put it Another Way: Be ready to hear new things. / Don’t decide too fast.
30. Bear in mind
Meaning: To remember something while thinking or doing something.
Samples: Bear in mind that the rules have changed. / Please bear in mind we only have 10 minutes left.
To Put it Another Way: Don’t forget. / Think about it as you go.
Find the Topics: Idioms for Thinking
Story Title: “The Big Decision”
Liam sat in the school library, his head resting on his hand. He had a lot on his mind. The art contest and the baseball game were both on Saturday. A thought crossed his mind, what if he could do both? But as he began to weigh his options, his mind went blank.
Mrs. Turner walked by and said, “You look like you’re lost in thought.” Liam smiled. “Yeah, I’m trying to figure out what to do.” She nodded. “Sometimes you just need to put on your thinking cap.”
He thought it over while staring out the window. Suddenly, a brainwave hit him. He could submit his art early and still make it to the second half of the game. It sounded simple, but he kept the plan in the back of his mind, just in case.
Later, he told his friend Jake. Jake asked, “You sure about this?” Liam answered, “On second thought, maybe I should talk to Coach first.”
Jake laughed, “Man, you’re always racking your brain over everything.”
Liam chuckled. “I just want to make a good choice.”
Your Task:
Underline or list all 8 idioms for thinking that you found in the story.
Answer Key
- A lot on his mind
- A thought crossed his mind
- Weigh his options
- Mind went blank
- Lost in thought
- Put on your thinking cap
- In the back of his mind
- On second thought
- Racking your brain
Conclusion
Idioms for thinking help us say what’s going on inside our minds in a fun way. Instead of just saying “I thought about it,” you can say “I put on my thinking cap” or “a thought crossed my mind.” These phrases make talking and writing clearer and interesting.
When you learn and use these idioms, you understand others better and can also explain your thoughts in smart and simple ways. Next time you’re making a choice or remembering something, try one of these idioms. It’s a great way to show what’s happening in your mind.
