Push something to the back of your mind
verb phrase
To try to forget something or not think about it.
After the accident, she tried to push the painful memories to the back of her mind.
Often appears as...
- push the memory to the back of your mind
- push the thought to the back of your mind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To try to forget something or not think about it.
After the accident, she tried to push the painful memories to the back of her mind.
Often appears as...
- push the memory to the back of your mind
- push the thought to the back of your mind
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional distancing
Using this phrase often indicates emotional distancing from a distressing thought or memory.
He had to push the argument with his friend to the back of his mind to focus on work.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary forgetfulness
This phrase suggests a temporary avoidance, not a permanent solution to a problem or feeling.
During exams, I push all my troubles to the back of my mind.
Pro Tip 3/3Not literal
It's metaphorical, meaning they're not actually moving something physical to a different place.
It's hard, but I try to push those doubts to the back of my mind.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional distancing
Using this phrase often indicates emotional distancing from a distressing thought or memory.
He had to push the argument with his friend to the back of his mind to focus on work.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary forgetfulness
This phrase suggests a temporary avoidance, not a permanent solution to a problem or feeling.
During exams, I push all my troubles to the back of my mind.
Pro Tip 3/3Not literal
It's metaphorical, meaning they're not actually moving something physical to a different place.
It's hard, but I try to push those doubts to the back of my mind.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional distancing
Using this phrase often indicates emotional distancing from a distressing thought or memory.
He had to push the argument with his friend to the back of his mind to focus on work.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary forgetfulness
This phrase suggests a temporary avoidance, not a permanent solution to a problem or feeling.
During exams, I push all my troubles to the back of my mind.
Pro Tip 3/3Not literal
It's metaphorical, meaning they're not actually moving something physical to a different place.
It's hard, but I try to push those doubts to the back of my mind.
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