- To decide, choose, or settle on an option; to stop being indecisive.
Explanation
Origin
- This phrase, dating back to the 18th century, uses 'mind' to represent thoughts and opinions.
- 'Make up' suggests assembling or arranging something that is currently unsettled or scattered.
- So, 'make up your mind' means to organize your thoughts into a firm decision or conclusion.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Pick one already.
- Get off the fence.
- Make the call.
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Shit or get off the pot. (Crude: Decide or stop delaying)
- Make a fucking decision.
- Stop dicking around and choose. (Vulgar)
Milder/Standard:
- Please decide.
- What's your choice?
- Have you chosen?
- We need your decision.
Situational Appropriateness
- Ranges from informal (playful urging between friends) to slightly demanding or even rude depending on tone and context.
- In formal settings, prefer more polite phrasing like Have you reached a decision? or What have you decided?.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is usually clear, but the tone can easily be misconstrued as impatient or bossy if not delivered carefully.
Examples
- Please make up your mind about where you want to go for dinner.
- He needs to make up his mind quickly, the deadline is tomorrow.
- I can't make up my mind between the red dress and the blue one.
Dialogue
Friend 1: Should we watch a comedy or a horror movie tonight?
Friend 2: Hmm, I don't know... I'm in the mood for both.
Friend 1: We've been discussing this for ten minutes! Just make up your mind!
Friend 2: Okay, okay... let's go with comedy.
Social Media Examples
- Trying to pick a new profile picture is torture. Can't make up my mind! Help! 🙏 #indecisive #selfie
- Poll: Need help making up my mind! Which book should I read next? [Option A] or [Option B]? #reading #bookworm
- Friend complaining about their job but won't look for a new one. Dude, make up your mind! Either commit or quit. #advice
Response Patterns
- Okay, okay, I choose [option].
- I'm still thinking!
- Give me a second.
- Alright, I've decided.
- I just can't decide!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After urging someone to 'make up their mind':
- Waiting for their decision.
- Repeating the options.
- Potentially expressing frustration if delay continues.
After someone *has* 'made up their mind':
- Okay, so what is it?
- Finally! What's the verdict?
- Proceeding based on the decision made.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a prompt directed at someone perceived as being indecisive.
Intonation
- Often carries a tone of urging or slight impatience.
- Stress typically on MAKE UP and MIND. Come on, MAKE UP your MIND!
- Can be softened depending on context and relationship.
Generation Differences
- Universal expression, understood and used by all age groups.
Regional Variations
- Universal across English-speaking regions.