MicroEnglish.

Take your mind off something
Idioms | B2

Listening exercises with “Take your mind off something”

We use the expression to take your mind off something to say that something distracts you in a positive way, especially when you are worried about something. e.g. I can see you’re feeling a bit anxious about tomorrow’s meeting. Shall we go for a walk to take your mind off it?

If I am worried about something and keep going over it in my head, then it is probably a good idea for me to do something (e.g. going for a run, watching a film, tidying up) to help me stop thinking about it. This would help to take my mind off my problems.

Have a go at these micro-dictation exercises to hear this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?

Accent: North America

80%
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? .
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go out couple tonight? help .
0%
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Accent: England (RP)

80%
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bike rides weekend helps my my job.
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Accent: Ireland

80%
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, ?
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something my presentation tomorrow, ?
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In

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6 responses

  1. javierebz Avatar
    javierebz

    To take my mind off my problems I invite a friend for a walk so I can talk and see the nature.

    Reply
    1. Chris Bargery Avatar
      Chris Bargery

      Good example Javier! One small mistake – in English we don’t say ‘the nature’ when we talk about the natural world in an abstract/very general way. e.g. “Living in the countryside allows you to get closer to nature”.

      Reply
  2. Nadire Huseynzade Avatar
    Nadire Huseynzade

    Hi, Chris! Actually, when I have a problem, or I am worried about something, it is hard to distract myself from the problem. But somehow I try to take my mind off the problem through listening music, talking to my husband or my friends, taking my children for a walk.

    Reply
    1. Chris Bargery Avatar
      Chris Bargery

      Excellent example Nadire. One small correction I would make – remember to use the preposition ‘to’ after the verb ‘listen’.

      Well done!

      Reply
  3. Nadire Huseynzade Avatar
    Nadire Huseynzade

    Thank you, Chris! I really appreciate your quick response and correcting my mistake.

    Reply
    1. Chris Bargery Avatar
      Chris Bargery

      You’re welcome Nadire 🙂

      Reply

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