Come/spring to mind Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Immediate Thoughts Use when an idea or thought appears in your mind without delay or effort. Ask me about great scientists, and Einstein immediately comes to mind. Pro Tip 2/3Spontaneous Recall Use to express a thought that is unexpected or unplanned. When the song played, memories of high school suddenly came to mind. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connection Often implies a personal, emotional link to the thought or memory. Hearing her laugh, happier times come to mind.