food for thought
Filed under F
In a sentence
- His presentation on climate change provided a lot of food for thought.
- After reading that book, I had plenty of food for thought about societal issues.
- The professor's lecture gave us all some food for thought regarding the ethics of artificial intelligence.
Where it comes from and how it is used
Food for thought is an idiom used to stimulate thinking and contemplation. It is commonly employed in various contexts, including literature, journalism, and everyday conversations. The phrase is believed to have originated in the 19th century and has since become a staple of the English language.
"Think over" is an idiom related to food for thought. It means to consider something carefully and thoroughly. When we encounter food for thought, it is essential to think over the ideas or information presented in order to fully comprehend and appreciate their significance.
The idiom "food for thought" can also be seen as an "eye-opener". An eye-opener is something that provides a new perspective or insight. In this sense, food for thought serves as an eye-opener that challenges our existing beliefs and encourages us to see things from a different angle.
Finally, it is important to bear in mind that food for thought is not meant to be taken literally. Rather than actual sustenance, it refers to the nourishment of our minds and intellect. By bearing this in mind, we can fully appreciate the value and significance of the ideas or information being presented.
Food for thought is a widely-used idiom that provokes thinking and contemplation. It challenges our existing beliefs, provides new perspectives, and encourages us to carefully consider and reflect upon the ideas or information being presented. So next time you encounter food for thought, remember to think over, embrace the eye-opener, chew on the ideas, and bear in mind the metaphorical nature of this idiom.
Neighbouring idioms
- think over
- eye-opener
- chew on
- bear in mind
- collect one's thoughtsEmotions & feelings
- come to mindEmotions & feelings
- have in mind
- give someone to understand
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.