Language: en
Meaning: (idiomatic)To clearlyunderstandone's ownfeelings,intentions,preferences, etc; to know precisely what onewants; to bedecisiveordetermined.1886,Louisa M[ay] Alcott, chapter 1, inJo's Boys[…][1], Boston: Roberts Brothers:Demiknew his own mind, however, and tranquilly carried out his plans, unmoved by the tongues of the anxious mammas or the jokes of his mates.1889,Wilkie Collins, chapter 54, inThe Legacy of Cain:He sadly wants strength of purpose; and, like weak men in general, he onlyknows his own mindwhen a resolute friend takes him in hand and guides him.1892,W. H. Hudson, chapter 18, inFan: The Story of a Young Girl's Life:"Wise girl—strong-minded girl,knows her own mind," muttered Mr. Churton.1920,P. G. Wodehouse, chapter 3, inThe Coming of Bill:He was the strong man whoknew his own mindand could not be shaken.1973August 13, “The Law: The Little American”, inTime:"I'm a conservative Republican who hasn't approved of any conservative Republican in years because most conservative Republicans aren't conservative enough for me." So says John J. Wilson, 72, whoknows his own mindand does not hesitate to speak it.2004June 11,Margaret Thatcher, “Remarks by Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher”, inNew York Times, retrieved26 December 2011:Ronald Reaganknew his own mind. He had firm principles - and, I believe, right ones. He expounded them clearly, he acted upon them decisively.
Validation Count: 0
Sourced from Wiktionary