at / in the back of one's mind

/at ɪn ðə bˈak ɒv wˈɒnz mˈaɪnd/

/æt ɪn ðə bˈæk ʌv wˈʌnz mˈaɪnd/

[phrase]

at / in the back of one's mind

[PHRASE]

in the part of the mind that holds thoughts and memories that are not often recalled or thought about

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "at the back of one's mind" is derived from the idea that our thoughts and concerns occupy different positions in our mental space. The "back of one's mind" symbolizes a less prominent or less actively considered area of thought compared to the forefront of one's mind, where immediate or pressing matters reside. This expression is used to describe thoughts, ideas, or concerns that are not at the forefront of someone's thinking but are still present and lingering in their consciousness. It often implies that these thoughts are not immediately obvious or the primary focus of one's attention.

Examples

1. And also, I guess in the back of my mind I just kept thinking, "This is gonna be my car."

2. But I still tend to not want to do them or maybe in the back of my mind, I want to do them, but there's that road block in my brain that's stopping it.

3. There would always be something in the back of my mind.

4. So, we have to be mindful of always being gracious, but in the back of our mind, always thinking of the other things that could possibly happen on board the aircraft and knowing that we're fully trained to handle any type of situation.