noun

food for thought

FOOD fuh THAWT

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Food for thought (noun) means something that is worth thinking about carefully, especially an idea or piece of information that changes how you see a subject. Example: “Her talk on shorter working weeks gave us plenty of food for thought.”

noun

idiom Something that is worth thinking about carefully, especially an idea or piece of information that changes how you see a subject.

"Her talk on shorter working weeks gave us plenty of food for thought."

"That is certainly food for thought, though I am not convinced yet."

How to use food for thought

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that makes you stop and think.

When to use it

Neutral idiom, fine in speech, emails and journalism alike. Treated as uncountable, so no article and no plural.

Memory tip

Say plenty of food for thought or some food for thought, never a food for thought or food for thoughts.

Easily confused with

food for the soul brain food

Common pairings

give food for thought plenty of food for thought offer food for thought that's food for thought

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “food for thought” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her talk on shorter working weeks gave us plenty of _____.

Synonyms

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something to ponder talking point matter for reflection

Rhymes for food for thought

ought bought nought Fought wrought thought drought dreadnought overwrought afterthought

See all rhymes for food for thought →

Frequently asked questions

What does food for thought mean?

It describes information or an idea that deserves proper reflection rather than a quick reaction. Saying something gave you food for thought means it stayed with you and made you reconsider something.

Is food for thought a polite way of disagreeing?

It often is. Replying that a suggestion is food for thought acknowledges it without accepting it, which is a common way of closing a discussion politely while reserving judgement.

What is the difference between food for thought and brain food?

Food for thought is an idea worth reflecting on. Brain food means literal foods believed to help mental performance, such as oily fish or nuts, though it is sometimes used loosely for stimulating reading.

What is the meaning of food for thought?

"food for thought" (noun) means something that is worth thinking about carefully, especially an idea or piece of information that changes how you see a subject.