concentrate the mind

(redirected from concentrates the mind)

concentrate the mind

To cause one to focus, typically on what is important in a particular situation. I didn't think I was capable of diffusing a bomb, but nothing concentrates the mind more than the threat of danger!
See also: concentrate, mind
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

ˌconcentrate the ˈmind

make you think very clearly and seriously about something: Being informed that you are likely to lose your job unless you work harder concentrates the mind wonderfully.
See also: concentrate, mind
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive ?
We can learn a lot from being a Monitor Farm: it concentrates the mind a lot more and this will be a big bonus for us and for the staff."
Like-minded farmers are invited to share ideas
Actually composing your thoughts with pen and paper and without the luxury of a delete button to change or start again, certainly concentrates the mind.
KEEP A DIARY AND IT COULD KEEP YOU
.NOTHING concentrates the mind more than a routine health check and particularly when you're asked to step on the scales.
NOTHING concentrates the mind [...]
Each game is its own special challenge and the prospect of cup extinction usually concentrates the mind of every player in a ferocious desire to remain alive and get to Wembley for the final.
Hard to imagine anything but comfortable Saints win
As British literary lion Samuel Johnson once noted, nothing concentrates the mind so wonderfully as the prospect of being hanged in a fortnight.
What did you get from ERP and what can you get? Many corporations are still looking for a meaningful return on all their investments in enterprise resource planning systems. While it's easy to blame the vendors, a company's approach to implementing the technology appears to be a common problem
Nothing so concentrates the mind as adversity and it has strengthened the fabric of all communities who face economic challenges.
Sharing trials, triumphs is what it is all about
It's great that the profile has been raised-it concentrates the mind. We've got to convince the county council of the benefits to them, to us and to the district."
Arena denies using scare tactics; We have not pressured council over Folkestone, says group chief
For those of a nervous disposition, the noise certainly concentrates the mind the for the three-hour treat ahead.
Shakespeare treat to do Brum proud; TWELFTH NIGHT Birmingham Rep
Yoga concentrates the mind, aids relaxation and helps to develop suppleness, strength and stamina.
YOUR HEALTH: HEALTH CHECK
If anything concentrates the mind upon summer, It is winter.
It's all in the mind
The prospect of a contract not being renewed concentrates the mind wonderfully," adds Goldsmith.
The integration rush: some second thoughts
"If a policymaker finds himself dealing with a situation in which every item on the checklist seems present," he writes, "it is probably time for the kind of crisis that wonderfully concentrates the mind."
Somoza Falling
It concentrates the mind on the extreme pressures men are expected to endure through unjust divorce procedures that favour one sex over the other.
Letter: Mailbag - This father's life is over
Diana said: "I find the confines and tranquillity of the canals concentrates the mind and provides a continuous flow of subjects for a variety of paintings."
Water's colours
Almost everyone has written them off and nothing concentrates the mind more than playing a deadly rival who happens to be unbeaten.
Points sell only option
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?