know one's own mind

Idioms  

1. Be certain about what one wants; be decisive. For example, Don't ask him; he's so tired that he doesn't know his own mind, or She certainly knows her own mind when it comes to giving stage directions. This term was first recorded in 1824.

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Example Sentences

If it can be useful to know one’s own mind, we also need leaders who are flexible, who have the ability to listen and adapt.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2021

It seems to me that to aim at independence, to know one's own mind, to form one's own ideas—liberty, in short—is one of the most sacred duties in life.

From The Upton Letters by Benson, Arthur Christopher

But it is hard to know one's own mind, let alone another man's.

From Put Yourself in His Place by Reade, Charles

He asserted that to know one's own mind is to know the whole universe, and that that knowledge is imparted to us by revelations and illuminations of the gods.

From History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume I (of 2) Revised Edition by Draper, John William

It is well, at least, to know one's own mind, madame!

From Max by Thurston, Katherine Cecil