have half a mind to do something

have half a mind to (do something)

To have an inclination or intention to do something, especially as a result of some unpleasant experience. My flight home was so terrible, I have half a mind to write a letter to the airline company and complain. She had half a mind to call the police on the people blasting music at 3 AM. I know you're annoyed and have half a mind to start a fight here, but can we please just get through Thanksgiving dinner in peace?

See also: half, have, mind, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

have half a mind to do something

If you say that you have half a mind to do something, you are thinking about doing it or threatening to do it, although you probably will not do it. I was wet and weary and had half a mind to curl up on the hillside and wait for the rescue helicopter. I have half a mind to file a lawsuit against her. Note: You can also say that someone is of half a mind to do something. I was of half a mind to leave, but it was late so I stayed.

See also: half, have, mind, something, to

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012