Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
15th June 2024

Take your mind off something

We use this phrase to say that we are doing an activity or action to stop ourselves thinking about something difficult or unpleasant.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
Yes
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
The exam's over now. There's nothing you can do about it now.
I know, but I'm still so worried I won't pass.
Why don't you go to the cinema and take your mind off it?
Example 2
What's the matter Ben?
I've got really bad toothache and if I take any more pain-killers, it will be dangerous.
Maybe you need to do something to take your mind off it. Have you tried watching TV?

Find an Online English Course