change mind

Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Encyclopedia.

change (one's) mind

1. To change one's original opinion, choice, or plan. Politicians get criticized for flip-flopping, but I think we should value the ability to change one's mind on an issue. I guess he changed his mind and decided to go to the beach instead.

2. To persuade or cause one to change one's original opinion, choice, or plan. I never liked mushrooms before, but you really changed my mind with this dish. He's set on buying that car. Don't bother trying to change his mind.

See also: change, mind

change (someone's) mind

To convince someone to think differently about something. You can try all you want, but you're not changing my mind about going to that party! I need to change my teacher's mind about me. I swear I'm not a slacker, but that's what she thinks!

See also: change, mind

change someone's mind

to cause a person to think differently (about someone or something). Tom thought Mary was unkind, but an evening out with her changed his mind. I can change my mind if you convince me that you are right.

See also: change, mind

change (one's) mind

To reverse a previously held opinion or an earlier decision.

See also: change, mind

References in periodicals archive ?

Yes, it's true that if you try, you can change minds.

women'sown

Reporter Charles Lewis quoted McQueen as saying that graphic photos are unlikely to change minds and that it is a mistake to use Holocaust imagery in pro-life demonstrations.

Moira McQueen weighs in

I write because there is a power in language that can change minds, start wars, assert authority and render tangible something as abstract as a thought."

The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship

"Football's about opinions and only results will change minds on that - we aim to start against Spurs.

Football: Bruised Lee vows to beat the boos; FOOTBALL MORE AGONY FOR SPURS ACE

An MUST spokesman said: "We don't recommend taking legal action against our club lightly but attempts to change minds about this have been brushed off.

Football: 'Arsenal better off without Henry'

Feminists for Life takes an educational approach and aims to change minds, not so much on the national political level, but in the halls of higher education.

A little less confrontation, a little more action: after more than 30 years of stalemate, some on both sides of the abortion debate are ready to put down their signs and start trying to work together

Editorial writing should be forceful--with a clear purpose, and a clear message--and change minds. You can't do that by calling names a la Coulter, but you also can't do that by standing on the fence and navel-gazing like so many editorialists.

An education in editorial writing: you don't have to alienate or call names, but you do have to take a position and stand behind it

To change those red states to blue, then, progressives have to change minds by first reframing the debate.

Word games: George Lakoff, the Democrats' hottest new thinker, misses the meaning behind the message

From Lenny Bruce to Richard Pryor to Chris Rock, comedy has the ability to change minds in a way that nothing else can.

Laughing in the face of terror

The Culture Committee is in a strong position to change minds - provided members can appreciate the exact parallel they have drawn.

Howard Wright: What's good for the Lottery should be good for the Tote

Oftentimes, successful programs change minds by transforming people's attitudes--toward themselves, toward their fellow citizens, and toward their communities.

Solutions do, indeed, work

How do you change minds that are filled with this religious gobbledygook?

Just say 'no' to dogma

Social studies teachers say the goal of discussions is not to necessarily change minds, but to forge a deeper understanding of issues.

Hot-button handling: social studies and hot-button issues go hand in hand. Here's how to prevent inevitable sparks from flaming out of control