at the back of (one's) mind

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at the back of (one's) mind

Present in one's thoughts or in one's attention, without ever being fully obscured by any other thoughts or considerations. Whenever I park in the city, the fear of being towed is always at the back of my mind.
See also: back, mind, of

at the back of your mind

COMMON If something is at the back of your mind, you are aware of it, though it is not the main thing you are thinking about. It was not until they had eaten that Brigadier Ryle raised the subject that had been at the back of his mind throughout the meal. Always, at the back of my mind, was the fear that the depression might overcome me again.
See also: back, mind, of

at the back of your mind

not consciously or specifically thought of or remembered but still part of your general awareness.
See also: back, mind, of
References in periodicals archive ?
As someone who gets nervous merely at the thought of cooking a simple meal for myself it's hard to imagine the intense pressure of maintaining world class dining standards with the threat of slipping a level always at the back of one's mind. It's true that stress brings out the best in us.
WHENSTRESS IS ARECIPEFOR DISASTER
This is most apparent in a color palette that cannot be labeled artificial or natural, but instead suggests what might be found at the back of one's mind. Her work shares with other successful abstract painting a preoccupation with translating subjective, temporal experiences that defy quick interpretation.
Cora Cohen: the responsibility of forms
"Often, it's a case of waiting for the right opportunity to realise an idea that's been at the back of one's mind for literally years.
Stepping up to the podium; Christopher Morley talks to conductor and composer Richard Baker as he prepares for a new season
At the back of one's mind is the knowledge that if you were to discourage them, your next visit home will not be a pleasant one.
Guest relations in the UAE
However, at the back of one's mind one can't help but just await the next saga of allegations within their camp.
Cricket: Inside Edge - Wasim's presence gives head start to Smethwick
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