Frame of Mind

Meaning of Idiom ‘Frame of Mind’

A person’s frame of mind is their emotional mood or their particular attitude or outlook; a person’s mental state; a person’s way of thinking, especially about a particular thing. ¹,²

Notes on Use

Frame of mind is often preceded by adjectives such as right, wrong, better, optimistic, positive, negative, etc.

Sentence Examples

“I’m not in the right frame of mind to deal with this right now.”

“This is not a good day to ask the boss for a raise. You should wait until he’s in a better frame of mind.”

“Fishing can be very fun and relaxing, but you have to be in the right frame of mind.”

“Once you get in the right frame of mind, I think anything’s possible.” Silver Linings Playbook — (2012)

“Well, shall I leave you until you’re in a more harmonious frame of mind?” — Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

“You spent the day with her. What frame of mind was she in?” — My Week with Marilyn (2011)

“She already admitted it. She wasn’t in her right frame of mind when she spoke to the police.” — The O.C. (2003)

“… Nor can I testify about it. It all happened afterward. Yeah, but you can testify about Childers’ frame of mind, his behavior while you were there.” — Rules of Engagement (2000)

“You know, with the frame of mind you’re in, not only am I not sure we should have another baby, I’m not sure we should keep the three we’ve got.” — Parenthood (1989)

“Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.” — Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

“There’s a high level of depression among people with MS, so planning things to look forward to helps me stay in a positive frame of mind.” — Greenfield Daily Reporter (9/12/2024)