🚂 One-Track Mind: Focused like a Laser Beam 🚀
One-track mind, to have a: To be focused on a single issue, action, or undertaking; to be unable to take on more than one thing at a time. This cliché refers to the single-track railway line, which allows traffic in only one direction at a time. In a 1917 speech, President Woodrow Wilson said, “I have a single-track mind,” one of the early figurative uses of the term.
Synonyms
- Monomaniacal
- Tunnel-visioned
- Narrow-minded (not as polite)
- Obsessed
- Single-purposed
Antonyms
- Multitasking Maven
- Versatile Virtuoso
- Open-Minded
- Multifaceted
Humorous Quote
“Do you have a one-track mind? Don’t worry, at least you’re not stuck in a traffic jam of thoughts!” – Anonymous
Related Expressions
- Follow your nose: To proceed in a straight line or narrow-minded focus.
- Blind as a bat: Often implies focus so intense that one misses the bigger picture.
- Stops at nothing: Describes single-minded and determined focus, often relentless.
Literature, Books, Poetry, and Movies to Dive Into:
- Book: “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit” by Sloan Wilson—Hilariously illustrates a man’s struggle to maintain focus amidst corporate chaos.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost—Examines choices and paths, sometimes the ones we are laser-focused on.
- Movie: “Rain Man”—An entertaining take on the obsessive focus of one-track mentality.
Proverbs and References
- All roads lead to Rome: Different paths can achieve the same end goal, a counterpoint to single-track thinking.
- You can’t see the forest for the trees: Overly focused on details and missing the broader picture.
Let’s Test That One-Track Thinking!
### Which of these refers to a focused mentality?
- [x] One-track mind
- [ ] Dancing with multiple hats
- [ ] Multithread maven
- [ ] Thinking in loops
> **Explanation:** A "one-track mind" is a common idiom referring to someone who can only focus on one thing at a time. It's distinct from, well, dancing with multiple hats!
### What does "multitasking maven" mean?
- [ x ] A person highly skilled at handling multiple tasks at once
- [ ] Someone who can only focus narrowly on one task
- [ ] A train conductor with many hats
- [ ] A pirated master of ceremonies
> **Explanation:** A "multitasking maven" contrasts with a one-track mind; it describes an individual skilled at handling various tasks simultaneously.
### Fill in the blank: "He was so ________, he couldn't see the forest for the trees."
- [ ] optimistic
- [x] single-focused
- [ ] clumsy
- [ ] humorous
> **Explanation:** "He was so single-focused, he couldn't see the forest for the trees," is a concise way of saying that someone focuses too narrowly on details.
### True or False: "One-track mind" is a modern idiom from the 21st century.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. The term was used as early as 1917 by President Woodrow Wilson.
Farewell from Clarence Clichér
Remember, whether your mind is a hopeful railroad or a bustling multi-lane highway, know that both have their own charm and utility. Embrace your path and stay curious, my friends! 🌟
