front of mind: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘front of mind’ mean?

The idiom *front of mind* means that something is at the forefront of someone's thoughts or attention, and is constantly on their mind.

Idiom Explorer

Unveiling Conscious Awareness

front and center is another idiom that is related to front of mind. This idiom refers to something or someone being in the most prominent or visible position. When something is front and center, it is the main focus or attraction, commanding attention and drawing people's eyes.

Just like front of mind, the idiom front and center can be used in various contexts. In a theater or performance setting, the main actor or performer is often said to be front and center, indicating that they are in the spotlight and the center of attention. In a business presentation or meeting, an important topic or issue may also be brought front and center, highlighting its significance.

When something is front and center, it is not easily ignored or overlooked. It grabs people's attention and becomes the main point of interest. This idiom emphasizes the importance and prominence of whatever is being referred to, whether it is a person, an idea, or an object.

Bring front and center the awareness of your mind.

In the context of front of mind, the idiom front and center adds an additional layer of emphasis and visibility. When something is front of mind and front and center, it means that it is not only constantly on someone's mind, but also actively and prominently influencing their thoughts, actions, and decisions.

Another idiom related to front of mind is "in front of one's nose." This idiom is often used to describe something that is right in front of someone, yet they fail to notice or recognize it. It refers to situations where the solution to a problem or the answer to a question is obvious, but someone overlooks it because they are not paying close attention or are focused on other things.

While front of mind and in front of one's nose both deal with the concept of visibility and prominence, they highlight different aspects of cognitive awareness. Front of mind emphasizes active and conscious thinking, where something is constantly in someone's thoughts or occupies their mental space. On the other hand, in front of one's nose points to the potential for overlook or neglect, where something is right in front of someone but goes unnoticed.

These related idioms serve to further deepen our understanding and exploration of front of mind. They illustrate different perspectives and nuances on the concepts of priority, visibility, and awareness in our thoughts and actions.

When we use these idioms in our language, we add color, depth, and richness to our communication. They provide us with a way to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise and relatable manner. Understanding and incorporating idiomatic expressions like front of mind, front and center, and in front of one's nose can enhance our ability to connect with others and effectively convey our thoughts and intentions.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom *front of mind* can be used in a sentence are:

1. "When preparing for a job interview, it's important to ensure that your qualifications are at the front of mind."

2. "The company launched a new advertising campaign to keep their brand at the front of consumers' minds."

3. "During the meeting, the manager reminded everyone to keep their objectives and goals front of mind.

More "Attention" idioms