“Food for Thought” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 7, 2024 by Liam Daniel

An idiom you will hear a lot in everyday conversation is “food for thought.” This reference will explain what this phrase means, how it became widely used throughout its history, and provide you with examples of how to use it properly in conversations or statements. You will also learn about different ways to say “food for thought” in more literal terms.

Food for Thought Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The idiomatic phrase “food for thought” is a means of expression that describes someone pausing to think about, consider and ponder a given situation when presented information to properly understand.
"Food for Thought" Meaning
“Food for Thought” Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Food for Thought Meaning

“Food for thought” is an idiomatic expression that means something that provides mental stimulation or gives you something important to think about. It refers to an idea or suggestion that requires serious consideration or reflection.

Origin of this Idiomatic Expression

This idiom first appeared in a poem by author Robert Southey titled A Tale of Paraguay. This poem was published in 1825. The phrase was adopted into use as an idiom for thinking since food is an essential part of the digestion process and keeping the human body healthy. Thus, thoughts are food to keep the brain healthy.

Usage of “Food for Thought”

  1. After hearing a new idea:
    • “Your proposal on improving the workflow gave me some food for thought.”
  2. In discussions or debates:
    • “Her speech about climate change provided a lot of food for thought for the audience.”
  3. When offering advice:
    • “Here’s something to think about for your next project—just a little food for thought.”

In all cases, it highlights the idea that the information shared requires deeper contemplation.

Related Terms to “Food for Thought”

Food for Thought is an idiom used to describe something that provokes deep thinking. Here are some related terms and their meanings:

  • Brainstorming: This involves generating a variety of ideas to solve a problem. It encourages creative thinking.
  • Mulling Over: When you mull something over, you take time to consider it carefully. It’s a process of thoughtful reflection.
  • Ruminating: Similar to mulling over, ruminating involves thinking deeply or repeatedly about something.
  • Cogitation: This is the action of thinking deeply about something. It’s often used in more formal contexts.
  • Ponder: When you ponder, you think carefully about something, often with the intention of making a decision.

These terms all share the common theme of encouraging thoughtful processing and reflection.

Other Ways to Say “Food for Thought”

Like all idiomatic terms, there are other ways that these figurative expressions can be stated in a much more literal way. For instance, saying things like you should really think about it, you should greatly consider this or give it some thought are other ways to literally state “food for thought.”

List of “Food for Thought” synonyms:

  • Something to think about
  • Pause for thought
  • Think about
  • Figure out
  • Think
  • Reconsider
  • Rethink
  • Something to consider

“Food for Thought” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement in a local newspaper about recent events.

  • “The mayor of the city asked his supporters to consider what he was saying as food for thought before they made their final decision at the polls this Tuesday.”

A statement made by an employee after a business meeting.

  • “That meeting provided me a lot of food for thought about whether I still want to keep working here or not.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: This wreath is beautiful. Did you make it?
  • Friend 2: I sure did, it is just something I do in my spare time.
  • Friend 1: Well, just some food for thought. You should consider going into business for yourself. This wreath is amazing!

A conversation between co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: Did you put in for that promotion?
  • Co-worker 2: No, I don’t know if I should or not.
  • Co-worker 1: Why not? I mean, just some food for thought, consider all the things you have learned in your short five years of working here. I think you are more than qualified.

More useful examples:

  • The teacher’s advice certainly gave me food for thought.
  • The study on poverty certainly offers food for thought to America’s leaders.
  • Today’s reading assignment will give you enough food for thought to prepare for next week’s class discussion.
  • Dr. Smith’s speeches always offer much food for thought.
  • There is much food for thought in this essay.
  • Mr. Polteed provided Soames with food for thought.
  • There is much food for thought in the film.
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)