Associations to the word «Mainspring»

Wiktionary

MAINSPRING, noun. The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.
MAINSPRING, noun. (figuratively) The most important reason for something.

Dictionary definition

MAINSPRING, noun. The most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism.

Wise words

We cannot always control our thoughts, but we can control our words, and repetition impresses the subconscious, and we are then master of the situation.
Florence Scovel Shinn