time out of mind: Idiom Meaning and Origin

time out of mind is an idiom that has a long history and is commonly used in the English language. It refers to a time so far in the past that it cannot be remembered or recalled. It means a time beyond memory, often referring to a distant or ancient period.

The phrase "time out of mind" first appeared in the legal language of England in the 14th century. It was used to establish a claim to a piece of land that had been held for a very long time, without any dispute or interruption. In legal documents, it was a way to prove that the land had been owned since an ancient period, beyond human memory or recorded history. This use of the phrase is similar to the idiom "out of sight, out of mind." Just as something that is out of sight is easily forgotten, something that is out of mind because of its long history can also be forgotten or overlooked.

Over time, "time out of mind" began to be used more widely in everyday language. It came to represent a time so distant that it was beyond human memory or recorded history. It gained popularity in literature, poetry, and music, often used to evoke a sense of antiquity or timelessness. This use of the phrase is similar to the idiom "time out." When someone is given a time out, they are removed from the present moment and placed in a state of isolation or separation. Likewise, "time out of mind" refers to a time that is so far removed from the present moment that it feels distant, isolated, or separated.

The phrase can also be found in religious texts, such as the Bible, where it is used to denote a time so ancient that it predates human existence. In this context, it signifies a time that is beyond the understanding or knowledge of man. This religious use of the phrase can be related to the idiom "out of mind, out of sight." Just as something that is out of sight is easily forgotten, something that is out of mind, beyond human understanding, can also be hidden or unseen.

In modern English, the idiom "time out of mind" is still commonly used. It is often used to refer to a time in the distant past, whether it be a few generations or hundreds of years ago. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a sense of timelessness or the eternal nature of something. This use of the phrase is similar to the idiom "time out." When someone takes a time out, they are pausing from the present moment to reflect, reset, or rejuvenate. Likewise, "time out of mind" can be seen as a pause from the present moment to reflect on the distant, timeless nature of something.

Overall, the idiom "time out of mind" has its roots in medieval legal language and has since evolved to become a widely used phrase in everyday English. It represents a distant and undefined period of time, often used to convey a sense of antiquity or the eternal nature of something beyond human memory or understanding.