on one's mind

Idioms  

1. Also, on the brain. In one's thoughts, preoccupying one. For example, The book prize has been on my mind, but I haven't been able to discuss it with you. It is often put as have something on one's mind (or the brain) meaning “be preoccupied with something,” as in I didn't mean to be rude; I just have a lot on my mind right now, or John has nothing but girls on the brain. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

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on one's mind

Much of the humor, and there’s plenty, arises predictably out of the juxtaposition of smalltown Minnesota and Tarantino-esque mayhem; “Fargo” is forever on one’s mind.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

The game serves as a look into how living through hell can lead to a life of survivor’s guilt, wrecking havoc not just on one’s mind but on the relationships that matter most to us.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2020

The very nature of public life—for that matter, of social life—is not saying everything that’s on one’s mind.

From The New Yorker ● Feb. 27, 2017

“It weighs heavy on one’s mind that your decision would impact the compensation of those who are sick,” Ms. McDonald said, “because if you don’t get 95 percent you’re not going to settle.”

From New York Times ● Aug. 9, 2010

I should think a life of this sort would be likely to have some permanent effect on one's mind and intellect.

From With Rimington by L. March Phillipps

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