The phrase "time out mind" is often used to refer to something that has been going on for a very long time. Interestingly, the correct spelling of this phrase does not match the way it is often spoken. The correct spelling is actually "time out of mind", with the "of" being pronounced as "əv" (in IPA: /əv/). This is because "out" and "of" are pronounced identically in many dialects of English, leading to confusion and the incorrect spelling of the phrase.
"Time out mind" is an idiomatic expression often used in informal or literary contexts. It is an archaic phrase that originally comes from Old English. It refers to a period of time in the distant past, suggesting an extreme or indefinite duration, or reaching back to times beyond human memory or recorded history.
The phrase "time out mind" is often employed to emphasize the notion of timelessness or time's ineffability. It suggests an era or epoch that existed "out of mind," beyond human comprehension or recollection. It conveys the idea that something has been true or present for an exceedingly long time, even before the concept of time as humans perceive it was established.
The connotation of "time out mind" typically implies a mystical or mythical quality, relating to ancient traditions, legends, or lost knowledge from an era that is shrouded in mystery. It can evoke a sense of enduring qualities or characteristics that have prevailed since the earliest known periods of history.
The phrase may also be used more figuratively to describe something that has been unchanged or unaltered for an extended period. It suggests an element of continuity, resilience, or unbroken tradition.
In summary, "time out mind" is an idiomatic expression that signifies a time long ago, reaching back to ancient or unrecorded periods of history, connoting timelessness and invoking a sense of mythical or enduring qualities associated with the distant past.