Idioms are fun phrases that mean something different than the actual words inside them. People use them to make talking and writing more colorful, exciting, and full of life. In this article, you will learn fifty interesting idioms that are all about remembering things.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean keeping things in your mind. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Remember
1. Bear in mind
Definition: To keep a specific thought or piece of advice in your thoughts for later.
Used in a Sentence: Please bear in mind that the library closes early on Fridays. / You should bear in mind that it might rain this afternoon.
Similar Expressions: Keep in mind / Keep in view
2. Ring a bell
Definition: To sound vaguely familiar or remind you of something you heard before.
Used in a Sentence: Her name rings a bell, but I cannot remember where we met. / That story rings a bell from when I was a little kid.
Similar Expressions: Sound familiar / Jog the memory
3. Jog the memory
Definition: To help someone remember something they have forgotten.
Used in a Sentence: Looking at old photos can help jog the memory about family trips. / He checked his calendar to jog his memory about the meeting time.
Similar Expressions: Refresh the memory / Prompt the mind
4. Cross the mind
Definition: To pop into your thoughts briefly.
Used in a Sentence: It did not cross my mind to lock the back door. / The idea to bake cookies did not cross my mind until now.
Similar Expressions: Enter the head / Occur to someone
5. Keep in mind
Definition: To remember an important fact while making a decision.
Used in a Sentence: Keep in mind that we need to leave by seven o’clock. / She kept in mind her mothering advice while cooking dinner.
Similar Expressions: Bear in mind / Take into account
6. Have on the brain
Definition: To think about something constantly or remember it deeply.
Used in a Sentence: He has that new song on the brain all day long. / She has the upcoming science test on the brain and studies hard.
Similar Expressions: Fixate on / Cannot forget
7. Fresh in the mind
Definition: To remember something clearly because it just happened.
Used in a Sentence: The rules of the game are still fresh in my mind. / Yesterday lesson remains fresh in the mind of every student.
Similar Expressions: Clear in the memory / Vivid in the mind
8. Slipping one’s mind
Definition: To forget something that you were supposed to remember.
Used in a Sentence: Buying milk slipped my mind when I went to the store. / The homework deadline slipped my mind until just now.
Similar Expressions: Escape the memory / Slip the memory
9. Cast one’s mind back
Definition: To try to remember something that happened in the past.
Used in a Sentence: Cast your mind back to the summer we went camping. / She cast her mind back to find where she left her keys.
Similar Expressions: Think back / Look back
10. Think back
Definition: To remember events that happened a long time ago.
Used in a Sentence: I like to think back to my first day of elementary school. / When I think back, those years were very peaceful.
Similar Expressions: Reflect on / Reminisce about
11. Sticking in the mind
Definition: To be remembered clearly long after it happens.
Used in a Sentence: That funny joke is still sticking in my mind. / The scary movie scene was sticking in his mind all night.
Similar Expressions: Imprinted on the brain / Lingering in thought
12. Imprint on the memory
Definition: To remember an experience deeply and permanently.
Used in a Sentence: Winning the trophy will imprint on my memory forever. / The gorgeous sunset was imprinted on her memory.
Similar Expressions: Burned into memory / Etched in the mind
13. Know by heart
Definition: To remember something completely, word for word or note for note.
Used in a Sentence: She knows all the lyrics to her favorite song by heart. / He knows the multiplication table by heart.
Similar Expressions: Memorize completely / Have memorized
14. Learn by heart
Definition: To study something until you remember it completely.
Used in a Sentence: We had to learn a poem by heart for English class. / Try to learn these spelling words by heart for the test.
Similar Expressions: Commit to memory / Memorize by rote
15. Commit to memory
Definition: To make a conscious effort to remember something.
Used in a Sentence: I need to commit this phone number to memory. / She committed the safe code to memory so she would not lose it.
Similar Expressions: Memorize / Store in the mind
16. Keep track of
Definition: To remember where something is or what is happening with it.
Used in a Sentence: It is hard to keep track of all my homework assignments. / Please keep track of your jacket during the field trip.
Similar Expressions: Stay aware of / Monitor closely
17. At the back of the mind
Definition: To remember something without actively thinking about it all the time.
Used in a Sentence: I had the dentist appointment at the back of my mind all week. / The task was at the back of my mind while I played outside.
Similar Expressions: Subconsciously aware / Lingering in thoughts
18. Front and center
Definition: To keep a specific priority or memory prominent in your thoughts.
Used in a Sentence: Keeping safety front and center helps us avoid accidents. / He kept his main goal front and center during the match.
Similar Expressions: Top of mind / Primary focus
19. Top of mind
Definition: Being the first thing you remember or think about.
Used in a Sentence: Helping others is always top of mind for our teacher. / Finding my lost puppy was top of mind today.
Similar Expressions: Foremost in thought / Main priority
20. Call to mind
Definition: To bring a specific memory back into active thought.
Used in a Sentence: Can you call to mind what your first pet looked like? / He tried to call to mind the name of his old school.
Similar Expressions: Recall / Bring to mind
21. Bring to mind
Definition: To cause someone to remember a person, place, or thing.
Used in a Sentence: This sweet smell brings to mind my grandmother’s kitchen. / The old photograph brings to mind happy childhood days.
Similar Expressions: Call to mind / Remind of
22. Flash back
Definition: To suddenly remember a past event vividly.
Used in a Sentence: I flashed back to the day I learned how to swim. / The loud noise made her flash back to the storm.
Similar Expressions: Suddenly recall / Experience a memory
23. Have a memory like an elephant
Definition: To remember everything and rarely forget anything.
Used in a Sentence: My grandfather has a memory like an elephant and recalls old dates. / She has a memory like an elephant and never forgets a favor.
Similar Expressions: Sharp memory / Excellent recall
24. Retain information
Definition: To keep information in your memory over a long period.
Used in a Sentence: Reading every night helps you retain information better. / It is difficult to retain information if you do not sleep well.
Similar Expressions: Hold onto facts / Absorb knowledge
25. Snap back into focus
Definition: To suddenly remember what you are supposed to be doing.
Used in a Sentence: When the bell rang, he snapped back into focus on his test. / She snapped back into focus after daydreaming for a minute.
Similar Expressions: Regain attention / Remember the task
26. Keep a mental note
Definition: To decide to remember something without writing it down.
Used in a Sentence: I kept a mental note to buy more markers tomorrow. / Keep a mental note of where you park the car.
Similar Expressions: Remember silently / Note mentally
27. Flash across the mind
Definition: To have a thought or memory pass through your brain very quickly.
Used in a Sentence: A memory of my old dog flashed across my mind. / The answer flashed across her mind just in time.
Similar Expressions: Cross the mind quickly / Flit through thought
28. Keep alive in memory
Definition: To continue remembering someone or something from the past.
Used in a Sentence: We keep alive in memory the traditions our ancestors taught us. / They built a park to keep alive in memory their beloved coach.
Similar Expressions: Preserve the memory / Honor the past
29. Never forget
Definition: To hold a memory permanently without losing it.
Used in a Sentence: I will never forget the day we adopted our cat. / She said she would never forget her first airplane ride.
Similar Expressions: Always remember / Cherish forever
30. Keep in view
Definition: To keep a goal or memory clearly in sight and thought.
Used in a Sentence: Keep your final goal in view while working on the project. / They kept the map in view to remember the route.
Similar Expressions: Keep in mind / Focus on
31. Haunted by a memory
Definition: To remember a past event over and over, usually an upsetting one.
Used in a Sentence: He was haunted by the memory of dropping the winning catch. / The scary ride left her haunted by the memory for hours.
Similar Expressions: Plagued by thoughts / Unable to forget
32. Etched in stone
Definition: A memory or rule that is permanent and cannot be changed or forgotten.
Used in a Sentence: That joyful day at the beach is etched in stone in my mind. / Our promise to help each other is etched in stone.
Similar Expressions: Permanent memory / Unforgettable fact
33. Carved in memory
Definition: To be remembered deeply forever.
Used in a Sentence: The face of my first teacher is carved in my memory. / That glorious victory remains carved in memory.
Similar Expressions: Unforgettable / Deeply ingrained
34. Flash of recognition
Definition: A sudden moment when you remember or recognize something.
Used in a Sentence: A flash of recognition crossed his face when he saw me. / She had a flash of recognition upon hearing the song.
Similar Expressions: Sudden realization / Moment of understanding
35. Bring back memories
Definition: To cause someone to remember past times.
Used in a Sentence: Looking at these old toys brings back memories of kindergarten. / The taste of apple pie brings back memories of fall.
Similar Expressions: Evoke the past / Remind of old times
36. Sweep down memory lane
Definition: To think about and remember pleasant times from the past.
Used in a Sentence: Visiting our old school was a sweet trip down memory lane. / Looking through photo albums is a fun trip down memory lane.
Similar Expressions: Reminisce / Reflect on the past
37. Keep the flame alive
Definition: To remember and honor an old tradition or memory.
Used in a Sentence: We keep the flame alive by celebrating this holiday every year. / The club works hard to keep the flame alive for local history.
Similar Expressions: Preserve traditions / Remember proudly
38. Hang onto a memory
Definition: To try hard not to forget a special moment.
Used in a Sentence: I tried to hang onto every second of that amazing concert. / She wanted to hang onto the memory of her graduation day.
Similar Expressions: Treasure a thought / Hold onto the past
39. Treasure in one’s heart
Definition: To remember something with deep love and care.
Used in a Sentence: I will always treasure in my heart the kind words you said. / He treasures in his heart the lessons his father taught.
Similar Expressions: Hold dear / Cherish deeply
40. Keep a grip on
Definition: To remember your instructions or control your thoughts.
Used in a Sentence: Keep a grip on your lines for the school play. / She tried to keep a grip on all the details of the test.
Similar Expressions: Stay focused / Remember instructions
41. Store away in the mind
Definition: To put a piece of information into your memory for future use.
Used in a Sentence: I stored away in my mind the tip on how to bake bread. / He stored away that useful advice for next year.
Similar Expressions: File away mentally / Save in memory
42. File away mentally
Definition: To organize a memory neatly in your brain.
Used in a Sentence: She filed away mentally the shortcut through the park. / I filed away mentally where the spare pencils are kept.
Similar Expressions: Store away / Memorize neatly
43. Keep at the forefront
Definition: To make sure a memory or rule is always at the front of your thoughts.
Used in a Sentence: Keep kindness at the forefront of everything you do. / The coach kept safety at the forefront of practice.
Similar Expressions: Prioritize / Keep top of mind
44. Pin down a memory
Definition: To remember exact details about something that happened.
Used in a Sentence: I tried to pin down a memory of where I put my gloves. / It was hard to pin down the exact date of the party.
Similar Expressions: Recall clearly / Remember precisely
45. Trace back
Definition: To follow a memory or history backward to find its origin.
Used in a Sentence: Let us trace back our steps to find my lost watch. / She tried to trace back where the rumor started.
Similar Expressions: Retrace steps / Find the source
46. Retrace steps
Definition: To go back the way you came to remember or find something.
Used in a Sentence: We had to retrace our steps to find the missing backpack. / He retraced his steps in his mind to solve the puzzle.
Similar Expressions: Trace back / Review actions
47. Ring true
Definition: To sound correct and remind you of the truth.
Used in a Sentence: Her story about losing her homework rings true to me. / That advice always rings true when life gets busy.
Similar Expressions: Sound accurate / Seem correct
48. Keep tabs on
Definition: To remember and watch where someone or something is.
Used in a Sentence: I like to keep tabs on my plant’s growth every week. / The teacher keeps tabs on all group projects.
Similar Expressions: Monitor / Keep track of
49. Keep a weather eye open
Definition: To watch carefully and remember to look out for changes.
Used in a Sentence: Keep a weather eye open for dark clouds while hiking. / She kept a weather eye open for any test questions about math.
Similar Expressions: Stay alert / Watch out
50. Hold in mind
Definition: To keep a thought active in your brain.
Used in a Sentence: Hold this important rule in mind while playing the game. / She held the recipe in mind while shopping for ingredients.
Similar Expressions: Keep in mind / Bear in mind
Exercise to Practice
- When my teacher gave us the quiz, the answers were still fresh in my mind.
- Buying a bicycle slipped my mind when I went to the grocery store.
- My little brother has a memory like an elephant, so he always forgets where his shoes are.
- We had to learn the entire poem by heart for our literature class.
- It did not cross my mind to check if the front door was locked.
- The scary movie scene was sticking in my hand all night long.
- Please bear in mind that the playground closes when the sun goes down.
- Looking at old family photographs can help jog the memory.
- She kept a mental note to bring extra paper for the art project.
- His name rings a bell, but I cannot remember where we met him.
- I have that catchy new commercial on the brain all day.
- Cast your mind back to the winter when we built a giant snowman.
- He knows how to ride a bicycle by heart because he practices every day.
- A memory of my first puppy flashed across my mind during class.
- I stored away in my mind the tip on how to tie my shoes quickly.
Answer Key
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
Conclusion
Learning idioms about remembering helps you talk about your thoughts in fun and creative ways. You can use these colorful phrases to make your stories and daily conversations much more interesting. Try picking one new idiom each day and use it when talking to your friends or family. It is a fantastic way to grow your vocabulary and boost your English skills!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for remember?
Some common idioms include bear in mind, ring a bell, and learn by heart. People use these expressions every day to talk about their thoughts and memories.
Why do we use idioms in English?
Idioms make our language more colorful and expressive instead of using plain words. They help us share feelings and memories in a fun, creative way.
How can I remember so many idioms easily?
You can learn them a few at a time and try using them in sentences every day. Practice helps your brain store them away naturally.
Are idioms used in writing and speaking?
Yes, people use idioms in books, stories, movies, and casual chats with friends. They are a big part of everyday English communication.
Do idioms mean what the words say?
No, idioms have a special meaning that is different from their literal words. You have to learn the phrase as a whole to understand what it means.
