What does “in mind” mean?
In these scenes, in mind often goes with have and means you already have a fairly specific idea, choice, range, or person. What do you have in mind? asks what that idea is.
When people say it
- Ask for someone's idea or plan: What did you have in mind?
- Ask about a range or limit: What range do you have in mind?
- Ask about a preference: Do you have a color in mind?
- Say you already know one person or thing: I've got one in mind.
Tone: Natural and neutral to friendly; very common in service, planning, scheduling, and suggestion conversations.
In 7 of Lin's scenes
Real lines from the scenes. Open one to watch it and say it yourself.
Shadow
Line by line
Other ways to say it
Very close in meaning, with a feeling of considering something now.
Stronger; it shows the idea is already quite clear.
More about what you want to find, common in shops and services.
Quick answers
What does “have something in mind” mean?
It means you already have a particular idea, choice, or person in your thoughts. For example, I have a number in mind means there is already a number I am thinking of.
Is “What do you have in mind?” polite?
Yes. It is a normal, polite way to ask someone for their idea or preference.