Welcome to the playful exploration of being “strongly inclined” or “somewhat inclined.” Let’s dissect these curious phrases that might just have you inclining in different directions.
Historical Perspective
A Full Mind 💡
Originating from the fifteenth century, having a “great mind” to do something was a full-throttle inclination. John Bale in “Kyng Johan” (ca. 1550) eloquently put forth, “I have a great mynd to be a lecherous man.” Lord Clarendon carried it forward in “History of the Rebellion” (1674) with, “The duke of Lorrayne had a very good mind to get a footing in Ireland.”
Half a Mind 🤷
With an air of indecision, having “half a mind” emerged around 1700 and gained traction in the nineteenth century. Edward Bulwer-Lytton illustrated it perfectly in “My Novel” (1853): “She had half a mind to reply.”
Similar Expressions
- Torn Between Two Opinions
- Sitting on the Fence
- In Two Minds
- On the Horns of a Dilemma (A sticky situation!)
- Playing Both Sides
Inspirational Proverb
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” – By John A. Shedd.
Take a full leap (or a tentative step) beyond those internal debates!
The Arts: Literature, Songs, and Movies
- Literature: “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare. Talk about being in two minds: “To be or not to be!”
- Songs: “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash – a true tug of the “mind.”
- Movies: Indecent Proposal – half-minded to take the proposition or not?
- Poetry: Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken – the epitome of journeying with a mind full of hesitations.
Engaging Quizzes ✍️
Whether you have a half or a great mind about this read, remember: life rewards those who dare to decide. After all, aren’t all great adventures a result of taking a bold stance or, at times, a tentative step? 💭🧐
Thank you for your un-doubtful engagement!
Yours in the joy of wordplay,
I. M. Inclined
2023-10-02
