to chew over
3
4.1
- phrasal verb
- /tʃuː ˈoʊvər/
- Informal
:
reflexionar sobre
- My colleagues and I need to chew over the project details before making a decision.
- chew over a question
- a lot to chew over
- still chewing over
Examples
-
Well, there's no point in us chewing over our differences.
-
Issues were chewed over and worked through for a long period of time.
Academic text (2005) -
I just think they need to chew over the approach and design for a little longer.
-
Then I'll have big business deal to chew over with you.
-
Another interesting thought worth chewing over at a later date.
Fiction book (1990) -
What are you chewing over?
Fiction book (1990) -
Tired of chewing over current events?
Blog text (18) -
The writers at Feministe are passionate, come from wildly varied backgrounds, and always leave their readers with new ideas to chew over.
Blog text (28) -
I'm up for it, and I've already been chewing over the numbers, so if you're out there and reading this and you agree, drop me a line.
Blog text (9) -
The series, being an even mix of thrilling, charming, cute, and funny, would have been worth my time even without its moral complexity, but for those who are looking for it, this particular K-drama offers a bit of meat to chew over along with its sweets.
Blog text (10)
Synonyms
265
3.9
To think carefully about something before making a decision
186
4.8
To think deeply about something for a long time
134
4.3
Think carefully for a long time about something
53
5.2
To think or talk a lot about something upsetting
36
4.7
Think carefully for a long time before making a decision
35
6.1
To think about something carefully for a long time
19
4.0
To think carefully about something before deciding
14
3.9
To think carefully about something for a while before deciding
10
7.6
To think carefully about something for a long time
8
3.0
To look at something carefully before deciding
3
8.5
To think carefully and deeply about something
1
4.1
To think carefully about something for a long time
To think very carefully to find a new idea or solution
To think about something slowly and in a relaxed way
Carefully examine and discuss a topic, often when it is difficult or unpleasant
How Thoroughly
- US
675
3.2
- Informal
3
4.1
19
4.0
66
3.2
∞
1.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
chew + over
The meaning 'to think about or discuss carefully' is a metaphorical extension of the literal verb 'chew' (process food) combined with 'over' (thoroughly), so a learner who knows the constituents may be able to infer a related mental-processing sense but not with full predictability. This kind of oral-to-cognitive metaphor exists in some languages but is not universally transparent, so the expression is partially but not completely deducible by a B1 learner.
Etymology
The phrasal verb chew over may come from the picture of chewing food and moving it over in your mouth to taste it again, like checking something slowly. So, 'chew over' means to think about or talk about something carefully and for a long time.