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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"From that time I always said it was mind over matter," Louise said.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

And it makes sense that when it comes to getting through nausea, which requires a whole lot of mind over matter, I’ve needed even a small shred of hope to cling to.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2023

His long run would be yet another display of mind over matter.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2022

Another body of research finds that willpower really can be a matter of mind over matter: When people believe willpower is a limited resource, it becomes easy to give in to temptation.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2015

Poor Lehman's getting up and dressing was absolute proof of the power of mind over matter.

From Continuous Vaudeville by Merrit, Hal

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