I am standing on the platform of a railway station in south London. I can read the sign "Mind the gap". Next to this sign is a similar sign but it is upside down. I thought as to why this should be and realised that the sign facing me is to be read as I board the train. The other is to be read by those passengers (customers) leaving the train. I boarded the train and thought for some time about the word "MIND".
Mind the gap ... is about being aware of the gap. It is "mind" as a warning, similar to "Beware of the dog". "Mind the dog" suggests looking after or caring for the dog. Or "mind" could mean not "beware" but "Be aware of the dog". There is "mind" in the context of "Body and Mind". Does the dog have a mind? Do you mind if .. "I sit, stand, push, yell, scream, put my rubbish in your dustbin" or "Do you mind if I go ahead in the queue".
All this is social exchange and the answer is "I do mind", (grumpy), or "I do mind" (charming) especially if you have a walking stick. So, "Mind the gap" can have your mind racing in many directions. And "Mind how you go" could mean "Be careful" or just a friendly "Goodbye".
Walter Vego
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