food for thought

food for thought

Meaning

• an idea or subject to think about
• to have things to think about arising from an event or situation
• new scheme or method to do something

Example Sentences

• The manager's meeting today has given me a lot of food for thought about whether I want to continue working in this company.
• This article is meant to serve as a food for thought for all those people who indulge in such trade mal-practices.
• This decision is food for thought for everyone who thinks they can get away with such atrocious crimes.
• My daughter has given me some food for thought about how she organizes her toys and now I'm wondering if this can become an innovative business idea.
• My uncle reads the newspaper to get some food for thought about the current on-goings in the world.
• To listen to her speak at such conferences is a real food for thought.
• Here is food for thought, why don't you start your own manufacturing unit based on your experience and industry know-how.

Origin

The phrase “food for thought” is contemporary in nature but the idea dates back to the times of the French revolution and the era of reason. This was the time when people shed the beliefs that were taught by popular religious outlets and started to question things. This also brought about a severe improvements in the standard of living of the people. Hence the phrase is also almost always used in a positive way, that is, to think about something in order to improve it.