in the back of (one's) mind
In one's thoughts, but with little or no conscious or active consideration or reflection. Despite my success at work, there's always this worry in the back of my mind that I'm doing something wrong. You don't need to do anything about it now—just keep it in the back of your mind going forward. Whenever I park in the city, I always have the fear of being towed in the back of my mind.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*in the back of someone's mind
Fig. remembered by someone, but not very important; vaguely remembered by someone. (*Typically: have something ~; keep something ~; leave something ~; put something ~; remain ~; Stay ~.) You should put this problem in the back of your mind and concentrate on other things.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
at/in the ˌback of your ˈmind
in your thoughts, but not your main interest or concern: I think your father knew at the back of his mind that he was being deceived.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017