What does “Food for thought” mean?
"Food for thought" means something that makes you think or consider something deeply.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The speaker's presentation was full of food for thought.
Example
The book raised several food for thought questions about society.
Example
The documentary provided a lot of food for thought on the topic of climate change
Is “Food for thought” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Food for thought” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Food for thought” effectively in context?
You can use "Food for Thought" to refer to something that provokes deep thinking or consideration. It implies that the subject matter is intellectually stimulating and worth pondering. For example, if you read an article that challenges your beliefs, you might say, 'It provided a lot of food for thought.'
- 1Presentation
The speaker's presentation was full of food for thought. It raised interesting questions and sparked a lot of discussion.
- 2Reading
The book raised several food for thought questions about society. It made me reflect on the current state of our world.
- 3Watching a documentary
The documentary provided a lot of food for thought on the topic of climate change. It made me reconsider my own impact on the environment.
Similar phrases to “Food for thought”:
Mind-blowing
Extremely surprising or impressive, often causing a shift in perspective
Example
The movie's plot twist was mind-blowing and gave me a new way of looking at the story.
Eye-opening
Revealing or enlightening, often providing new insights or perspectives
Example
Traveling to a different country can be an eye-opening experience that challenges your preconceptions.
Thought-provoking
Stimulating or inspiring deep thinking and reflection
Example
The artist's thought-provoking installation made visitors contemplate the meaning of life.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Food for thought” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Food for Thought" is unknown.
Is “Food for thought” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Food for Thought" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe something that stimulates their thinking or prompts them to consider new perspectives.
What tone does “Food for thought” have?
"Food for Thought" conveys a tone of intellectual curiosity and contemplation. It suggests that the subject matter is thought-provoking and encourages deep reflection.
Can “Food for thought” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Food for Thought" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of something that makes you think deeply. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as academic discussions or professional presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The article provided a lot of food for thought.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's some "food for thought"!' to express that something has made them think deeply.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- intellectual stimulation
- mental fodder
- cognitive nourishment
- provocative material
- intellectual nourishment
Antonyms
- mindless entertainment
- empty calories
- shallow content
- superficial material
- unstimulating material
