At/in the back of your mind
phrase
Something you remember or know but are not actively thinking about.
Even though he was enjoying the party, the thoughts of tomorrow's exam were at the back of his mind.
Often appears as...
- have something at the back of your mind
- keep something at the back of your mind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
An idea or thought that you consider but do not discuss or express.
The idea of quitting his job was always at the back of his mind.
Often appears as...
- keep something in the back of your mind
- put something in the back of your mind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Something you remember or know but are not actively thinking about.
Even though he was enjoying the party, the thoughts of tomorrow's exam were at the back of his mind.
Often appears as...
- have something at the back of your mind
- keep something at the back of your mind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
An idea or thought that you consider but do not discuss or express.
The idea of quitting his job was always at the back of his mind.
Often appears as...
- keep something in the back of your mind
- put something in the back of your mind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Subconscious Awareness
This phrase indicates a thought or memory that persistently lingers without direct focus.
She had a nagging feeling at the back of her mind that she forgot to lock the door.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Forefront
Use when the subject is aware of something but it's not their primary focus or concern.
Mike played video games, with the homework deadline at the back of his mind.
Pro Tip 3/3Passive Remembrance
It suggests a memory that comes to mind occasionally, not continuously active.
Old memories floated up at the back of her mind during the reunion.
Pro Tip 1/3Subconscious Awareness
This phrase indicates a thought or memory that persistently lingers without direct focus.
She had a nagging feeling at the back of her mind that she forgot to lock the door.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Forefront
Use when the subject is aware of something but it's not their primary focus or concern.
Mike played video games, with the homework deadline at the back of his mind.
Pro Tip 3/3Passive Remembrance
It suggests a memory that comes to mind occasionally, not continuously active.
Old memories floated up at the back of her mind during the reunion.
Pro Tip 1/3Subconscious Awareness
This phrase indicates a thought or memory that persistently lingers without direct focus.
She had a nagging feeling at the back of her mind that she forgot to lock the door.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Forefront
Use when the subject is aware of something but it's not their primary focus or concern.
Mike played video games, with the homework deadline at the back of his mind.
Pro Tip 3/3Passive Remembrance
It suggests a memory that comes to mind occasionally, not continuously active.
Old memories floated up at the back of her mind during the reunion.
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