food for thought

Idioms  

1. An idea or issue to ponder, as in That interesting suggestion of yours has given us food for thought. This metaphoric phrase, transferring the idea of digestion from the stomach to mulling something over in the mind, dates from the late 1800s, although the idea was also expressed somewhat differently at least three centuries earlier.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

food for thought

In Houston, Wirtz played on the left, perhaps giving Iraola food for thought, especially as Cody Gakpo had a poor season in that position.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

In becoming the fifth youngest player to represent the Three Lions, he certainly gave Tuchel some interesting food for thought should there be injuries before the tournament starts.

From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026

But it also contains this tidbit, food for thought today:

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

What is “Love is Blind” if not food for thought about your own desires and must-haves in a relationship?

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2025

But it was food for thought: effective rhetoric need not always be fancy rhetoric.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith