What does “Out of sight, out of mind” mean?
"Out of sight, out of mind" means that when something or someone is not visible or present, they are easily forgotten or not thought about.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I haven't seen my old friend in years, so out of sight, out of mind.
Example
Once I moved away, my ex quickly became out of sight, out of mind.
Example
If you don't keep reminding people of your accomplishments, you'll be out of sight, out of mind
Is “Out of sight, out of mind” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out of sight, out of mind” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Out of sight, out of mind” effectively in context?
You can use "Out of sight, out of mind" to emphasize the tendency for people to forget or ignore things that are not directly in front of them. It can be used in various situations to remind someone to stay connected with people or things they care about. For example, if a friend is moving away, you might say, 'Remember, "out of sight, out of mind". Make sure to keep in touch and maintain your friendship.'
- 1Friendships
I haven't seen my old friends in years. Out of sight, out of mind. It's easy to forget about people when they're not around.
- 2Family
I always keep a picture of my family on my desk. Out of sight, out of mind. It helps me remember to stay connected with them even when we're apart.
- 3Loss or Forgetfulness
I used to have a favorite toy as a child, but I lost it and eventually forgot about it. Out of sight, out of mind.
Similar phrases to “Out of sight, out of mind”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out of sight, out of mind” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out of sight, out of mind" is unknown.
Is “Out of sight, out of mind” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Out of sight, out of mind" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It reflects a common human tendency and is applicable to various situations.
What tone does “Out of sight, out of mind” have?
"Out of sight, out of mind" conveys a tone of caution and reminder. It serves as a gentle warning to not neglect or forget about important people or things in our lives.
Can “Out of sight, out of mind” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "out of sight, out of mind" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in casual conversations among friends and family, as well as in more professional or serious contexts to emphasize the importance of staying connected and not forgetting about important matters.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I haven't seen my old friends in years. Out of sight, out of mind. It's easy to forget about people when they're not around.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Out of sight, out of mind' to imply the idea of forgetting or neglecting something or someone.
