To commit to memory

Definitions

to memorize something
to learn and remember information so that it can be recalled easily
to make a strong mental or emotional impression
to ensure that something is firmly remembered or not forgotten

Examples of To commit to memory

She committed those lyrics to memory after listening to the song on repeat for hours.

This example shows how someone internalizes information, such as lyrics, by mentally storing or memorizing them. It's a common use of the idiom in the context of learning something by heart.
The billion-dollar deal was committed to memory by the entire board of directors.

In this example, the idiom is used to convey that the board of directors fully understands and remembers the details of a significant transaction or agreement. In other words, they have a clear and vivid mental picture of the deal's terms and conditions.
John committed his wedding vows to memory, confidently repeating them without any notes or cues.

Here, the idiom is used to describe how John retained the words of his wedding vows in his mind, without the need for written material or assistance. It indicates that John deeply and sincerely pledged his loyalty and devotion to his partner.
She committed the entire speech to memory, delivering it flawlessly and confidently in front of the audience.

In this example, the idiom highlights how someone memorizes a speech or presentation through repeated practice and mental rehearsal. It implies that the speaker can recite the speech flawlessly and confidently without any hiccups, notes, or prompts.
John spent hours every day committing his lines to memory for the upcoming play.

This example uses the idiom "to commit to memory" to illustrate the act of memorizing something. John is preparing for a theatrical performance, and he is committing his lines to memory by spending a significant amount of time practicing them repeatedly.
Linda's grandmother used to say that the only way to remember someone's name was to commit it to memory.

This example uses the idiom in a slightly different context, discussing a tip for remembering names. The speaker is recalling advice given by their grandmother, who suggested that the only way to remember someone's name was to memorize it.
As a child, Tom's father would test him on multiplication tables, helping him commit them to memory.

In this example, the idiom is used to describe the process of learning mathematical facts. The speaker's father would quiz his son on multiplication tables, aiding his son in memorizing these mathematical facts.
The pianist began by committing the piece to memory, before moving on to perfecting the intricate details of the performance.

Here, the idiom is used to illustrate the process of preparing for a musical performance. The pianist began by memorizing the piece, before moving on to refining the finer elements of the performance.

Conclusion

The idiom "to commit to memory" can be used to refer to both the act of memorizing information and the process of ensuring that something is not forgotten. It is often used in educational and professional settings to emphasize the importance of remembering specific details or concepts.

Origin of "To commit to memory"

The origin of the idiom "to commit to memory" can be traced back to the Middle English period, where the word "commit" was used to mean "to give in trust or charge." Over time, it came to be associated with the act of entrusting something to memory. The use of the word "memory" in this context emphasizes the idea of securely holding onto information within one's mind. This idiom has been a part of the English language for centuries and continues to be widely used in contemporary speech and writing.

Examples:

He committed the poem to memory before the recitation competition.
The emotional experience was so powerful that it was committed to memory forever.