take (one's) mind off (something)

take (one's) mind off (something)

To stop or to cause one to stop thinking about something, typically a worry or concern. Playing video games after work helps me to take my mind off my work for a while—and sometimes that's when I get my best ideas. Exercising will take your mind off your problems and give you time to decompress.

See also: mind, off, take

take somebody’s ˈmind off something

make somebody forget about something unpleasant for a short time: I went out to see a movie to try to take my mind off my problems. ♢ We’re trying to take his mind off things a bit.

See also: mind, off, something, take