come to think of it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come to think of it’ mean?
The idiom "come to think of it" means to suddenly remember or realize something, often when it's related to the topic currently being discussed.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "spring to mind" means to suddenly think of something or to come to one's thoughts without any conscious effort. It usually refers to a quick and spontaneous realization or recollection of information or ideas.
When something *leaps to mind*, it means that an idea or thought quickly springs into one's consciousness without much effort. It indicates an instant and obvious association with a particular topic or situation.
The idiom "have in mind" means to have a specific idea or plan in one's thoughts or intentions.
The idiom "dawn on" means to suddenly understand or realize something, often after a period of confusion or lack of awareness.
The idiom "come up with" means to produce or find an idea, solution, or answer, often unexpectedly or under pressure.
The idiom "come to terms" means to accept or agree to something, especially after a period of negotiation or conflict.
The idiom "come to one's senses" means to start thinking or behaving rationally or reasonably after a period of confusion or irrationality.
The idiom "come to oneself" means to regain consciousness or recover from a state of confusion, shock, or illness.
Unveiling Nuances: Unpacking "come to think of it"
The idiom "come to mention it" is similar to "come to think of it" in that it also denotes a sudden realization or a change in perspective. However, "come to mention it" specifically emphasizes the act of mentioning something that was just thought of or remembered. It is often used when a person brings up a point or topic in a conversation that they had not previously considered or mentioned. This phrase adds a conversational element to the discussion, allowing for a more natural and spontaneous flow of ideas.
Similarly, the idiom "come to mind" is closely related to "come to think of it" and implies the spontaneous emergence of a thought or idea. When something "comes to mind," it means that the thought or concept has suddenly entered the speaker's or writer's thoughts without any conscious effort. This phrase is often used when recalling information or when an idea is prompted by something in the current conversation or environment.
The phrase "spring to mind" is another idiom that aligns with the concept of a sudden realization or recall of a thought. When something "springs to mind," it signifies that a thought or idea has immediately and effortlessly come into one's consciousness. This phrase is often used when a person spontaneously remembers something or when a relevant thought occurs to them in response to a particular stimulus.
On the other hand, the idiom "come to one's senses" takes a slightly different approach. It signifies a moment of clarity or realization after a period of confusion or inattentiveness. When someone "comes to their senses," it means that they have gained a clear understanding or have become aware of the reality of a situation. This phrase implies a moment of insight or awakening and often suggests that someone has corrected a previous misunderstanding or erroneous belief.
The last related idiom, "come up with," denotes the act of producing or generating something, typically an idea, a solution, or a plan. When someone "comes up with" something, it means that they have developed or conceived of it. This phrase emphasizes the element of creativity and innovation, suggesting that the person has actively thought of and proposed a new concept or solution.
When using the idiom "come to think of it" in conversation or writing, it is essential to consider the various related idioms that can enhance the overall meaning and impact. By incorporating phrases like "come to mention it," "come to mind," "spring to mind," "come to one's senses," and "come up with," individuals can further emphasize the suddenness or spontaneity of a thought or realization. These related idioms add depth and complexity to language, enabling more effective communication and a richer understanding of the subject matter at hand.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "come to think of it" can be used in a sentence:
- Come to think of it, I believe I left my keys at the office.
- She asked if I had seen her umbrella, and come to think of it, I did see it in the hallway earlier.
- He mentioned going to the movies later tonight, and come to think of it, I haven't been to the cinema in months.
More "Introspection" idioms
