Remember or consider something, especially as a factor in making decisions or forming judgments.
This phrase emerged in the 16th century, combining the verb 'keep' (meaning to retain) with the metaphorical concept of 'mind' as a container for thoughts. It reflects the ancient understanding of memory as something actively maintained rather than passively stored. The phrase emphasizes the deliberate nature of remembering.
The metaphor here is beautifully physical—it suggests that thoughts and memories are objects we can actively hold onto in the container of our minds. This reflects an older, more tactile understanding of cognition, where mental processes were described in terms of physical actions and spaces.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.