# give someone something to think about

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-something-to-think-about
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To threaten or provide a challenge to.

## Examples

- His harsh words gave me something to think about.
- The manager gave the team something to think about by threatening to cut the budget if sales did not improve.
- By exposing the flaws in our long-term strategy, the consultant gave the board of directors something to think about regarding the company's future.

---

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.