of one mind: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘of one mind’ mean?

The idiom "of one mind" means to have the same opinion or to agree on something.

Idiom Explorer

Unified Minds

The idiom "of one mind" is a commonly used phrase that conveys the idea of a collective agreement or unity in thought or opinion. It is derived from the combination of the preposition "of" and the noun "mind," which refers to one's thoughts, beliefs, or intellectual capacity.

One of the main facts about this idiom is its enduring popularity and relevance in the English language. It has been in use for several centuries, indicating its long-standing presence. This idiom is often employed when a group of individuals or parties share the same viewpoint or approach to a particular matter.

In the idiomatic sense, being "of one mind" signifies being "on the same page" as others. It suggests a collective understanding and agreement, where all parties involved are aligned in their thoughts and opinions. This shared perspective fosters cooperation and unity within the group, making it easier to work together towards a common goal.

Another related idiom to "of one mind" is "meeting of the minds." This phrase emphasizes the coming together of individuals or parties who share the same thoughts, ideas, or opinions. In a "meeting of the minds," different perspectives converge, leading to a mutual understanding and agreement. When people are "of one mind," it is akin to a "meeting of the minds" because their thoughts align and they share a common understanding.

We all stood in one mind, united in agreement.

The idiom "one and the same" can also be used interchangeably with "of one mind." When individuals or parties are described as being "one and the same," it means they are identical or undistinguishable in terms of their thoughts, wants, or beliefs. The phrase suggests a complete unity, where there is no difference between the individuals involved in terms of their mindset or perspective.

Similarly, the idiom "of a piece" can be regarded as synonymous with "of one mind." If individuals or parties are described as being "of a piece," it implies that they are of the same nature, quality, or character. They share similar thoughts, opinions, or attitudes towards a certain topic or issue. Being "of a piece" indicates a shared perspective, leading to a cohesive and unified approach.

Furthermore, a related idiom to "of one mind" is "on the same wavelength." This phrase refers to individuals who are in sync with each other, where their thoughts, ideas, or understanding are in harmony. When people are "on the same wavelength," they share a mutual understanding and connection. This connection fosters effective communication and collaboration, allowing for a harmonious and unified approach.

It is important to note that the idiom "of one mind" is not to be taken literally. It does not imply that every individual within a group thinks exactly the same or has no differing opinions. Instead, it suggests a general consensus or agreement, allowing room for some level of diversity or minor variations in viewpoints.

To summarize, the idiom "of one mind" is a powerful expression that signifies collective agreement and unity in thought or opinion. It has stood the test of time and has been widely used in literature and everyday conversations. This idiom is related to other idioms such as "on the same page," "meeting of the minds," "one and the same," "of a piece," and "on the same wavelength," all of which convey a similar idea of shared understanding and agreement. While not denoting absolute uniformity, being "of one mind" implies a shared perspective and common understanding within a group or among individuals.

Example usage

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

  • After discussing the issue extensively, the team was of one mind about the best course of action.
  • Despite their differences, the siblings were of one mind when it came to taking care of their aging parents.
  • The jury deliberated for hours, but in the end, they were of one mind in their decision to convict the defendant.

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