What does “Spring to mind” mean?

"Spring to mind" means that something comes to one's thoughts or is remembered quickly.

What context can I use the in?

Example

When I think of my favorite dessert, chocolate cake springs to mind.

Example

Whenever I hear that song, memories of my childhood spring to mind.

Example

When discussing famous landmarks, the Eiffel Tower springs to mind

Is “Spring to mind” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Spring to 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 “Spring to mind” effectively in context?

You can use "Spring to Mind" to describe something that quickly comes to your thoughts or is remembered. It emphasizes the immediacy and spontaneity of the thought or memory. For example, if someone asks you about your favorite movie, you might say, 'When it comes to movies, "Jurassic Park" springs to mind.'

1Food
When I think of my favorite dessert, chocolate cake springs to mind.
2Music
Whenever I hear that song, memories of my childhood spring to mind.
3Travel
When discussing famous landmarks, the Eiffel Tower springs to mind.

Similar phrases to “Spring to mind”:

Come to mind

To be remembered or thought of

Example

When discussing great leaders, Nelson Mandela comes to mind.

Pop into one's head

To suddenly come to one's thoughts

Example

While walking in the park, an idea popped into her head.

Cross one's mind

To briefly occur or be considered as a thought

Example

The possibility of traveling crossed his mind.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Spring to mind” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Spring to Mind" is unknown.

Is “Spring to mind” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Spring to Mind" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe things that quickly come to their thoughts or are remembered.

What tone does “Spring to mind” have?

"Spring to Mind" conveys a tone of spontaneity and immediate recollection. It's often used to express the quick association of thoughts or memories.

Can “Spring to mind” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Spring to Mind" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the quick emergence of thoughts or memories. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'When I think of summer, ice cream "springs to mind".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Spring to mind"!' to imply that something has been remembered or thought of.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

occur to me
enter my thoughts
instantly recall
immediately think of
quickly remember

Antonyms

forget
slip my mind
fail to remember
not come to mind