Definition & Meaning of "[have] {sb/sth} in mind"

What is the origin of the idiom "have someone or something in mind" and when to use it?

While the exact origin of the idiom "have someone or something in mind" is challenging to pinpoint, it has been in use for several centuries. It can be traced back to the Middle English period and has been a common expression in the English language since then. The combination of "have" and "mind" in this context conveys the idea of having a specific person or thing in one's thoughts or consideration. Over time, the phrase has become firmly established as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a specific preference or choice. Its origin is rooted in the natural evolution of the English language and its usage in everyday speech.