to-provide-food-for-thought
/tʊ prəˈvaɪd fuːd fə θɔːt/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
To give someone an idea, question, or statement that makes them think carefully. It often suggests a useful or interesting thought, not a full answer.
- Her speech provided food for thought.
- The article gives plenty of food for thought.
- His comments were food for thought for the whole team.
Adinary Nuance
Use food for thought when something makes people think in a useful way. It is not the same as advice, which tells someone what to do. It is also lighter than criticism; it may raise a question without attacking anyone. Writers use it when they want to sound thoughtful, not direct.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- điều đáng suy ngẫm
- Spanish
- tema para reflexionar
- Chinese
- 发人深省
- Japanese
- 考えさせること
- Korean
- 생각거리
Etymology
This phrase began in English in the 1800s as a figurative expression. It uses 'food' as a metaphor for something that feeds the mind, not the body.
Common phrases
food for thoughtplenty of food for thoughtgive someone food for thoughtsomething to chew on
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'food for thought' formal or informal?
- It is neutral and works well in speaking and writing.
- Is 'food for thought' the same as advice?
- No. Advice tells someone what to do. Food for thought only makes them think.
- Can I use it in academic writing?
- Yes, if you want to say an idea raises a useful point for discussion.
- What is a simple sentence with this phrase?
- 'Her question gave me food for thought.'