come/spring to mind

come to mind

To suddenly or immediately materialize in one's mind. A: "What would you like to have for dinner?" B: "I'm not sure, nothing's really coming to mind." He's not a writer who comes to mind when you think of crime thrillers, but his books are edgy, brilliant page-turners.See also: come, mind

spring to mind

To suddenly or immediately appear, materialize, or come to the forefront in one's mind. A: "What would you like to have for dinner?" B: "I'm not sure, nothing's really springing to mind." When it comes to crime thrillers, he's not a writer who springs to most people's minds, but his books are edgy, brilliant page turners.See also: mind, spring

come to mind

Fig. [for a thought or idea] to enter into one's consciousness or be remembered. Do I know a good barber? No one comes to mind right now. Another idea comes to mind. Why not check in the phone book?See also: come, mind

come to mind

Be recollected, occur to one, as in A new idea just came to mind. This phrase replaced the earlier come in mind, which dates from the late 1300s. Also see bring to mind; call to mind; enter one's mind. See also: come, mind

come (or spring) to mind

(of a thought or idea) occur to someone; be thought of.See also: come, mind

come/spring to ˈmind

if something comes or springs to mind, you suddenly remember or think of it: ‘Have you any suggestions?’ ‘Nothing springs to mind, I’m afraid.’ ♢ Just say whatever comes to mind — it doesn’t matter.See also: come, mind, spring