change someone’s mind: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘change someone's mind’ mean?
The idiom "change someone's mind" means to persuade or convince someone to think differently or alter their opinion about something.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "talk someone into something" means to persuade or convince someone to do something that they may not initially want to do.
This idiom means to change one's opinion or support in order to align with the majority, often due to perceived benefits or social pressure.
The idiom "eye-opener" means something that is surprising or enlightening, often leading to a change in perspective or understanding.
The idiom "drive someone up the wall" means to irritate, annoy, or frustrate someone to the point of exasperation or anger.
The idiom "drive someone crazy" means to cause someone to become extremely annoyed, frustrated, or mentally unstable.
The idiom "do someone like that" means to treat someone in a negative or unfair manner, often involving deception or harm. It suggests behaving unkindly or spitefully towards someone and implies a sense of betrayal or mistreatment.
The idiom "do somebody wrong" means to treat or behave towards someone in an unfair or unjust manner.
The idiom "cheer up" means to become happier or to make someone feel more cheerful by providing moral support or encouragement.
The idiom "change the game" means to significantly alter or revolutionize the way something is done or approached, often resulting in a new and improved method or outcome.
Persuasive Shift
The idiom "bring round" is related to the expression "change someone's mind" in the sense that it also refers to the act of persuading or convincing someone to adopt a different opinion or belief. While "change someone's mind" focuses on the process of altering someone's thinking, "bring round" emphasizes the act of winning someone over or convincing them to see things from a different perspective.
One way to think about the difference between these two idioms is that "change someone's mind" implies a more gradual process of persuasion, while "bring round" suggests a more immediate change of opinion or attitude. However, both idioms involve the act of influencing someone's thinking or beliefs.
When trying to change someone's mind or bring them round to a different viewpoint, it can be helpful to consider their existing beliefs and motivations. Understanding their perspective can allow you to tailor your arguments or presentation of new information in a way that resonates with them.
It's important to approach the situation with empathy and respect. People are more likely to be receptive to new ideas if they feel understood and respected, even if they ultimately disagree. Avoid using aggressive or confrontational tactics, as this can often lead to resistance or defensiveness.
When attempting to change someone's mind or bring them round, it can be effective to provide evidence and logical reasoning to support your viewpoint. Presenting facts, statistics, or examples can help to strengthen your argument and make it more persuasive.
Another strategy for changing someone's mind is to appeal to their emotions. Connecting with someone on an emotional level can make your argument more relatable and compelling. Using storytelling or personal anecdotes can help to evoke empathy and create a sense of connection.
Additionally, it can be helpful to find common ground or points of agreement with the person you're trying to convince. Focusing on shared values or goals can help to establish a foundation of trust and make it easier to find areas of overlap where you can build upon.
Listening actively is an essential skill when trying to change someone's mind. Give the other person the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings without interrupting or dismissing their perspective. By actively listening, you can better understand their concerns and address them in a thoughtful and respectful manner.
It's important to recognize that changing someone's mind is not always possible or necessary. Some people may hold deeply ingrained beliefs or be resistant to change. In these situations, it may be more productive to focus on finding common ground or accepting that you may have differing opinions.
The idioms "change someone's mind" and "bring round" both refer to the act of persuading or convincing someone to adopt a different opinion or belief. While "change someone's mind" emphasizes the process of altering someone's thinking, "bring round" focuses on the act of winning someone over or convincing them to see things from a different perspective. When attempting to change someone's mind, it's important to approach the situation with empathy, respect, and effective persuasion strategies. However, it's also important to recognize that not everyone may be open to changing their mind, and in those cases, finding common ground or accepting differing opinions may be the most productive approach.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *change someone's mind* can be used in a sentence are:
- She was initially against the idea, but after listening to our arguments, we were able to change her mind.
- I used to hate sushi, but after trying it at a good restaurant, it completely changed my mind.
- He was set on buying a new car, but the high price and maintenance costs changed his mind, and he decided to stick with his old car.
More "Persuasion" idioms
