Meaning & use
mind of a mastermind
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
The way a highly intelligent and strategic person thinks, plans, and solves problems.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; normally with 'the' or 'a': the mind of a mastermind, a mastermind's mind.
Patterns
- the mind of a mastermind
- get into the mind of a mastermind
- the mind of a mastermind works differently
The documentary tries to show the mind of a mastermind at work during a chess championship.
She reads biographies because she wants to understand the mind of a mastermind.
To solve this puzzle you need the mind of a mastermind, not just patience.
phrasefixed phrasefigurative
A person who plans something clever and complicated, especially a crime or a big project.
Grammar: Often used about criminal plots; 'mastermind' alone can also be a noun for the person.
Patterns
- the mind of a mastermind behind something
- the mind of a mastermind who planned something
Police believe they have found the mind of a mastermind behind the bank robbery.
The mind of a mastermind rarely appears in public; the planners stay in the background.
Common combinations
- the mind of a mastermind
- The book explores the mind of a mastermind who built an empire from nothing.
- get inside the mind of a mastermind
- Journalists tried to get inside the mind of a mastermind to explain his decisions.
- think like the mind of a mastermind
- Coaches train players to think like the mind of a mastermind during the final minutes.
- the mind of a mastermind at work
- Watching the mind of a mastermind at work is fascinating for young engineers.
- study the mind of a mastermind
- Psychologists study the mind of a mastermind to learn how experts handle pressure.
Synonyms and how they differ
- genius
- Genius refers to exceptional natural ability or the person who has it, while this phrase focuses on the thinking process itself.
- strategist
- A strategist is a person who plans carefully; it names the person rather than the way that person's mind works.
- brilliant mind
- Brilliant mind is a more general compliment about intelligence, without the emphasis on plotting and planning.
Word family
- mastermind noun
- A person who plans and directs a complex scheme or project.
- mastermind verb
- To plan and organize something complicated, often a crime.
- masterminding noun
- The act of planning and directing a complex plan or operation.
Commonly confused: mind of a mastermind or masterpiece? mind of a mastermind or mindset?
mind of a mastermind vs masterpiece
A masterpiece is an outstanding work of art; a mastermind is a very clever planner, so the two words describe different things.
mind of a mastermind vs mindset
Mindset means a general attitude or way of thinking; this phrase is about one exceptional person's mental skill.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
'The mind of a mastermind' needs the definite article 'the' before 'mind'. Option 0 and 3 miss the article entirely, and option 2 uses 'a mind' with 'a mastermind', which sounds wrong because the phrase is fixed with 'the'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “mind of a mastermind”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.