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

“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

Bollandus again is a healthy study for us moderns in the triumph exhibited by him of mind over matter, of the ardent student over physical difficulties.

From The Contemporary Review, January 1883 Vol 43, No. 1 by Various

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