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Not Paying Attention

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to get one's mind off something
2-
brown study
3-
to give somebody or something a once-over
4-
if it was a snake, it would have bitten you
5-
XYZ
6-
(head) in the clouds
7-
asleep at the wheel
to [get|take|keep] {one's} mind off {sth}
to get one's mind off something
phrase
uk flag
/ɡɛt ɔːɹ tˈeɪk ɔːɹ kˈiːp wˈʌnz mˈaɪnd ˈɔf ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
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Idiom

to distract someone's attention or thoughts away from something, typically something stressful, worrisome, or unpleasant

example
Example
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Going back to work helped take my mind off Ian’s death.
The good thing about running is that it takes my mind off any problems I have.
What is the origin of the idiom "take one's mind off something" and when to use it?

The idiom "take one's mind off something" does not have a specific historical origin. It developed naturally in the English language over time as a way to describe the action of diverting one's thoughts or attention away from a specific issue or concern in order to find relief from stress, anxiety, or preoccupation.

brown study
brown study
noun
uk flag
/bɹˈaʊn stˈʌdi/
Idiom
Informal

a state in which one is very deep in thought and not aware of one's surroundings

What is the origin of the idiom "brown study" and when to use it?

The idiom "brown study" has its origins in Middle English, where the term "brown" was used to describe something that was gloomy, dull, or obscure. In this context, a "brown study" referred to a state of deep contemplation or daydreaming, often characterized by someone being lost in their thoughts. It is used to describe a state of deep, often absentminded contemplation or daydreaming in which a person becomes absorbed in their thoughts.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
to [give] {sb/sth} (a|the) once-over
to give somebody or something a once-over
phrase
uk flag
/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ ðə wˈʌnsˈoʊvɚ/
Idiom

to examine a thing or person very quickly

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone or something a once-over" and when to use it?

The idiom "give someone or something a once-over" likely has its origins in military and inspection in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is used to describe the action of briefly and superficially examining or assessing someone or something, typically for a specific purpose, without going into great detail.

if (it|this) (was|were) a snake, it would have bitten you
if it was a snake, it would have bitten you
sentence
uk flag
/ɪf ɪt ɔːɹ ðɪs wʌz ɔːɹ wɜːɹ ɐ snˈeɪk ɪt wʊdhɐv bˈɪʔn̩ juː/
Humorous
Idiom
Informal

said to mean that what a person is searching for is right where they are, but they have failed to notice it

What is the origin of the idiom "if it was a snake, it would have bitten you" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "if it was a snake, it would have bitten you" is not well-documented, but it is believed to be of American origin. The imagery of a snake biting someone serves as a metaphor for the idea that someone has failed to notice or find something that is very obvious and nearby.

XYZ
XYZ
sentence
uk flag
/zˈaɪz/
Humorous

used to tell someone that the zipper of their pants is open

What is the origin of the idiom "XYZ" and when to use it?

The origin of the acronym "XYZ" is not well-documented, but it is often used as a humorous and discreet way to remind someone to check their zipper, without openly mentioning the issue or potentially embarrassing them.

(head|) in the clouds
(head) in the clouds
phrase
uk flag
/hˈɛd ɪnðə klˈaʊdz/
Idiom

used to say that a person is thinking about things that are unrealistic or impractical

What is the origin of the idiom "in the clouds" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the phrase "in the clouds" is unclear. However, it is believed to have originated from the visual imagery of someone whose thoughts or attention seemed to be wandering or floating away like clouds in the sky. The phrase has been in use for quite some time and has become a common expression in the English language. It effectively captures the idea of someone being mentally detached or lost in their own thoughts.

asleep at the wheel
asleep at the wheel
phrase
uk flag
/ɐslˈiːp æt ðə wˈiːl/
Idiom
Informal

not paying attention or not doing one's job properly, often resulting in mistakes or negative consequences

What is the origin of the idiom "asleep at the wheel" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "asleep at the wheel" is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is not paying attention or is neglecting their responsibilities, often resulting in negative consequences.

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