make up your mind
Meaning
Decide on something after thinking about it, especially when you’ve been unsure or taking too long.
Origin
From the older sense of “make up” meaning “compose/form.” To “make up one’s mind” is to form a settled opinion or decision.
Notes
Often used to urge someone to decide; can sound impatient or pressuring. Neutral in tone when stating a decision, but sharper as an imperative.
Examples
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You need to make up your mind before the tickets sell out.
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I can’t make up my mind between the blue shirt and the black one.
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She made up her mind to quit her job and go back to school.
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Make up your mind—are we staying in or going out tonight?
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He took a week to make up his mind about the offer.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: “make up your/his/her/their mind.” Verb inflects (made up). Often imperative (“Make up your mind!”) or with “about/on” (“make up your mind about/on X”).
Synonyms
- decide
- make a decision
- reach a decision
- come to a decision
- make up one’s mind
Antonyms
- be undecided
- hesitate
- waver