# chew the cud

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/chew-the-cud
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To meditate or ponder before answering; to be deep in thought; to ruminate.

## Examples

- He sat quietly to chew the cud before making his decision.
- She took a long walk by the river to chew the cud about her difficult career choice.
- The philosopher preferred to chew the cud on the nature of existence rather than engage in idle, superficial conversation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.