Food for thought Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfud/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈθɔt

FOOD fer THAWT

UK

fˈuːd/ /fˈɔː/ /θˈɔːt

FOOD faw THAWT

Definition

An idea or piece of information that makes you think deeply, or gives you something to consider carefully.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic, somewhat formal expression. Commonly used after sharing ideas, advice, or feedback to suggest reflection. Not about actual food—don't use literally. Frequently heard in presentations, discussions, or writing.

• Spanish: algo para reflexionar - material para pensar
• Portuguese (BR): motivo de reflexão - algo para pensar
• Portuguese (PT): motivo de reflexão - algo para pensar
• Chinese (Simplified): 值得思考的事情 - 发人深省的想法
• Chinese (Traditional): 值得思考的事情 - 發人深省的想法
• Hindi: विचार करने योग्य बात
• Arabic: ما يدعو للتفكير - أمر يستحق التأمل
• Bengali: চিন্তার খোরাক - ভাবনার বিষয়
• Russian: пища для размышлений
• Japanese: 考えさせられるもの - 考える材料
• Vietnamese: điều đáng suy ngẫm
• Korean: 생각할 거리
• Turkish: üzerinde düşünülmesi gereken konu - düşündürücü şey
• Urdu: غور و فکر کا سامان
• Indonesian: bahan untuk dipikirkan

Example Sentences

Her comment gave me food for thought.

basic

The teacher's question was food for thought for the whole class.

basic

This article offers some real food for thought.

basic

Thanks for the advice—it was definitely food for thought.

natural

That documentary was food for thought—it really opened my mind.

natural

He always gives me food for thought whenever we talk.

natural