If you’ve ever seen the phrase “bring to mind NYT” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone! Many people have searched this phrase online—especially while playing the popular New York Times (NYT) Crossword. In this article, we’ll explain the meaning of “bring to mind”, why it’s used, where it comes from (yes, especially the NYT puzzle), and how it helps in memory, learning, and solving crosswords. We’ve kept this guide easy, friendly, and clear—so that even a 10-year-old could follow along.
What Does “Bring to Mind” Really Mean?
The phrase “bring to mind” is a way of saying “to remember something” or “to think of something”. When something brings something to mind, it makes you recall a memory, a word, a person, or an idea—almost like a mental picture popping into your head.
For example, if you smell cookies baking, it might bring to mind your grandmother’s kitchen. Or if you see an old toy, it might bring to mind your childhood. It’s a phrase used to connect one thing (a smell, a sound, a word) to a memory or thought from the past.
It’s not just poetic—it’s practical. Writers, puzzle makers, teachers, and even kids use the phrase because it’s so clear and useful.
Why Do People Say “Bring to Mind”?
People use “bring to mind” when they want to describe how something suddenly makes them think of something else. It’s a simple way to explain association—how your brain links one thing to another.
Imagine this: You see a red balloon. It brings to mind the circus. That’s how your brain works. You don’t need to try to remember. Your mind just brings it up.
This phrase is helpful in writing, storytelling, teaching, and especially when solving puzzles. It adds depth, imagination, and insight. Plus, it’s a way to show how our thoughts work in real time.
Where Have You Seen It? Try the NYT Crossword!
The New York Times Crossword Puzzle is one of the most famous word games in the world. If you’re a crossword fan, you’ve likely seen clues like:
- Something that might bring to mind a melody
- Scent that brings to mind summer
These clues don’t say things directly. They hint. And to solve them, you need to use your memory, your imagination, and yes—your ability to bring things to mind.
The phrase “bring to mind NYT” has become common because people see it in crossword clues. They search it when they’re stuck or just curious about the meaning.
Let’s go deeper:
Example from a Puzzle
In one NYT puzzle, the clue was:
“Scent that may bring to mind the ocean”
The answer? “Salt air”
See how that works? The scent reminds you of something else—it brings the ocean to mind.
What Helps Solve It?
To solve these types of clues, you need a good vocabulary, sharp memory, and some practice with wordplay. Many crossword clues are about hidden meanings, not just direct answers.
“Bring to mind” clues often rely on your personal experiences, so answers might be different for different people.
Tips for Crosswords
- Read the clue twice. What’s the main idea?
- Think about your own memories—what comes to mind?
- Look for words that connect two things: sound and place, smell and time, feeling and object.
- Keep a notebook of words and phrases you’ve seen in puzzles.
Easy Words That Mean the Same Thing
Want to understand “bring to mind” better? Let’s look at simple words and phrases that mean the same thing:
- Remind
- Recall
- Remember
- Think of
- Conjure up
- Evokes
- Recollect
- Come to mind
Each of these has a slightly different tone, but they all suggest that something from your memory is coming forward, often triggered by a sound, sight, or smell.
So if you ever feel stuck in a crossword or a story, try swapping “bring to mind” with one of these.
Memory Tricks for Kids and Adults
Your brain is a powerful tool, and with the right memory tricks, you can train it to bring things to mind more easily.
Here are some memory boosters that help both kids and adults:
- Create a story: Tie new info to something you already know.
- Use pictures: The brain loves visuals! Draw or imagine things.
- Make rhymes or songs: Rhymes stick in your head!
- Repeat things out loud: Saying things helps your brain remember.
- Chunking: Break big info into small parts.
These tools aren’t just for school—they’re great for remembering names, facts, grocery lists, and yes, solving puzzles.
When Do We Bring Things to Mind?
You may not realize it, but you’re bringing things to mind all day long. Here are some everyday moments when it happens:
- You hear a song and suddenly remember a road trip.
- You see a picture and think of your old friends.
- You smell pizza and remember your favorite restaurant.
It’s not magic—it’s your brain making connections!
Let’s explore a few examples:
Smells and Sounds
Smell is one of the strongest memory triggers. A certain scent can bring back years of memories. Same with sound. A doorbell might remind you of visiting grandma.
Example: The smell of sunscreen might bring to mind summer at the beach.
Special Words or Pictures
Sometimes a single word, like “summer” or “birthday”, can trigger a whole flood of memories. Pictures do the same thing. Looking at an old photo can make you remember a whole day.
These small things can bring big memories to mind.
Fun Practice: Can You Bring to Mind These Things?
Let’s try a fun memory game:
- What comes to mind when you hear “ice cream”?
- What do you picture when someone says “school bus”?
- What do you feel when you hear the word “fireplace”?
You’ll see how fast and strong your memory works—that’s the power of “bringing to mind.”
Thoughts – You Can “Bring to Mind” Anything!
The cool thing about our brains is that they’re always working. You can bring to mind:
- People you love
- Moments that made you laugh
- Places you’ve been
- Lessons you’ve learned
- Dreams and ideas for the future
So when someone says “bring to mind”, they’re really talking about the incredible ability of the mind to find, recall, and connect ideas—and that’s something we all do every day.
The Bottom Line
The phrase “bring to mind NYT” might start in a crossword puzzle, but it leads to something much deeper. It’s about how we remember, imagine, and connect ideas. Whether you’re playing the NYT Crossword, telling a story, or just walking through your day, your brain is constantly bringing things to mind.
So next time you smell cookies, hear a song, or read a puzzle clue—stop and notice what your brain does. It’s a little bit like magic… but it’s also just you, being human.
