mind over matter

Idioms

Willpower can overcome physical obstacles, as in Margaret was determined to go to the wedding even on crutches—mind over matter. This idea was already expressed by Virgil in the Aeneid (c. 19 b.c.) as Mens agitat molem, “Mind moves matter,” and it appeared in various forms in English by 1700.

Example Sentences

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mind over matter

“We saw last week that he had the ability to put mind over matter and just say, `It doesn’t matter if I’m injured. I’m going to go out there and do my thing,’” Schwartz said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 2023

I give them ideas of the brain and mind over matter and concentration and the science of speed.

From New York Times ● Jul. 21, 2021

"I didn't sit and wait for chemo. I changed my diet and became positive. I truly believe in mind over matter."

From BBC ● Jan. 8, 2020

With essential oils, it may be a case of mind over matter.

From Slate ● Apr. 18, 2018

Recent advances in psychological knowledge have widened our conception of the possible influence of mind over matter and of mind over mind.

From Philosophy and Religion Six Lectures Delivered at Cambridge by Hastings Rashdall

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023