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"mind the time"

Posted by ESC on November 27, 2005

In Reply to: "mind the time" posted by Bob on November 27, 2005

: : What is the origin of the phrase "mind the time" meaning "remember"? Is it Irish or American?

: Not a common American usage. Sounds a lot more like a bartender's "pay attention; it's almost closing time. Last call."

I (from the U.S.) have heard it used in this way, to pay attention to, understand. "Mind you don't knock over the lamp." "Now, mind, he didn't have to do that."

Merriam-Webster online:

Main Entry: 2mind
Function: verb
transitive senses
1 chiefly dialect : REMIND
2 chiefly dialect : REMEMBER
3 : to attend to closely
4 a : to become aware of : NOTICE : to regard with attention : consider important -- often used in the imperative with following you for emphasis. I'm not against inspiration, mind you; I simply refuse to sit and stare at a blank page waiting for it -- Dennis Whitcomb> b chiefly dialect : INTEND, PURPOSE
5 a : to give heed to attentively in order to obey b : to follow the orders or instructions of
6 a : to be concerned about b : DISLIKE. I don't mind going.
7 a : to be careful : SEE Mind you finish it. b : to be cautious about Mind the broken rung.
8 : to give protective care to : TEND
intransitive senses
1 : to be attentive or wary
2 : to become concerned : CARE
3 : to pay obedient heed or attention
- mind·er noun

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