to put one's mind to it
14
3.5
- idiom
:
proponérselo
- You can do anything if you put your mind to it.
- just put your mind to it
- really put your mind to it
Examples
-
It's amazing how much I've gotten done since I put my mind to it.
Fiction book (2000) -
There's nothing we can't do when we put our minds to it.
-
You just have never put your mind to it.
-
You could, if you put your mind to it.
-
I think if you really put your mind to it, you could make something of yourself.
-
You can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it.
Fiction book (2001) -
"You can do anything, man," he added, "if you just put your mind to it."
Fiction book (1993) -
Nothing's impossible if you put your mind to it.
-
I think you're smart enough to do anything you really want to do, if you just put your mind to it.
-
You can achieve great things if you put your mind to it.
Synonyms
∞
2.6
To direct attention or thoughts toward something specific
∞
2.0
Give most attention and effort to one person or task
∞
1.6
To focus on someone or something and notice carefully
706
3.4
To give time, money, or effort to something
561
3.4
To give all your attention to one thing
465
3.7
Give time, effort and money to a person, project or cause
279
3.1
Give your full attention to one activity or subject
44
4.2
To give most attention to one person or thing
41
4.2
To work hard and focus on a task
15
5.6
Pay attention to the main goal and avoid distractions
10
3.9
To work hard and give your full attention to a task
2
7.5
To start working very hard to reach a goal
1
6.8
To work very hard and use a lot of energy
1
4.5
To try very hard and feel strongly about something
Antonyms
How Determined
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to focus all one's attention and effort on achieving something' is directly derivable from combining 'put' (bring into a state) with 'mind' (the faculty of thought) and the directional phrase 'to it' (toward the task). This is a straightforward mental-motion metaphor (placing attention onto a target) that follows common compositional patterns and is likely interpretable by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.
Etymology
Put one's mind to it gives a clear picture: imagine placing your mind like a tool on the task, the it, and getting to work. So, if you put your mind to it, you 'focus all your attention and effort' on that thing and are more likely to succeed.