Bear in mind 🐻🧠
Meaning
To remember and consider something when making a decision or thinking about a matter.
Origin
Imagine a farmer, years ago, tending to his flock. He needs to keep a close eye on his sheep, right? So, he'd literally 'bear' them 'in mind' – meaning he carried their presence, their needs, their location, within his thoughts. It's about holding something, like an important fact or a potential problem, in the forefront of your consciousness, as if you're carrying it with you. The image is one of careful consideration, of not letting something slip away from your mental grasp.
Bear in mind represented with emoji🐻🧠
This playful pairing of a bear and a brain functions as a charming mnemonic, inviting us to remember the simple yet profound advice to 'bear in mind.' It teaches the viewer that even the simplest images can carry significant meaning, reminding us to hold important thoughts close, much like a bear might guard its den.
Examples
- You should bear in mind that the train is often late during winter.
- When planning the picnic, please bear in mind that it might rain.
- Do bear in mind that dragons are rather particular about their tea.
- It's important to bear in mind that even teacups can get lonely sometimes.
Frequently asked questions
'Bear in mind' functions as an idiom, though its roots are quite literal. The phrase evokes the physical act of carrying something (bearing) in a specific place (in mind), meaning to keep something present in your thoughts. While it's not spoken literally today, the imagery helps convey the importance of remembering.
The closest opposites to 'bear in mind' are phrases like 'forget about' or 'pay no attention to'. To 'bear something in mind' means to actively consider it, so its opposite would be to actively disregard or dismiss it from consideration.
Yes, you can absolutely 'bear in mind' negative things, such as potential risks or problems. The phrase simply means to remember and consider something important, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.
'Bear in mind' is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a common enough phrase that it fits well in everyday conversation as well as in more considered writing or speeches.