food for thought

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.

Example Sentences

It gave Keegan food for thought at a critical juncture of the title race.

Read more on BBC

Tuchel could almost gorge himself on the food for thought this game offered him.

Read more on BBC

Credit where due, though: the script, which he wrote with Enrico Natale, packs food for thought into a low-key speech, delivered by Pacino 17 minutes in, about the peril of division.

Read more on Salon

This, however, does not do justice to the excellence running right through Palace's team which will surely give England coach Tuchel food for thought.

Read more on BBC

"That two undocumented migrants were the only ones who physically risked themselves to help the victim of a pack thirsting for horror leaves much food for thought and a series of lessons," Mayor Rey said.

Read more on BBC