make mention of: Idiom Meaning and Origin

When someone makes mention of something, they are bringing it up or acknowledging it, but without delving deeply into the topic or giving it significant attention. This idiom is often used to quickly acknowledge or refer to a topic or idea, without going into great detail or elaborating further.

The idiom "come to mention it" is a similar expression that is used when someone brings up a particular topic or idea that was not previously mentioned or considered. It is often used in conversation to add additional information or to make a connection to a previous topic. For example, if someone is talking about their vacation plans and suddenly says, "Come to mention it, I'll need to buy a new swimsuit," they are bringing up the need to buy a swimsuit as a result of the vacation plans being discussed.

Another related idiom is "touch on," which means to briefly mention or refer to a topic without going into great detail. It is often used in conversation or writing to acknowledge a related topic or idea, but without fully exploring it. For example, if someone is discussing their favorite books and mentions one particular author without discussing their works in detail, they are "touching on" that author.

The idiom "now you mention it" is used when someone suddenly remembers or realizes something as a result of someone else bringing it up. It is often used in conversation to acknowledge that the topic or idea being mentioned was not previously considered or remembered. For example, if someone says, "I can't believe it's already October," and someone else responds with, "Now you mention it, I need to start planning for Halloween," they are acknowledging that they hadn't previously thought about Halloween until it was mentioned.

The idiom "make an appearance" is used to describe when someone or something shows up or appears in a particular place or situation. It is often used in conversation or writing to describe someone or something that unexpectedly or suddenly arrives or becomes present. For example, if someone is talking about a party and says, "I hope she makes an appearance," they are expressing a desire for that person to attend the party.

The idiom "make mention of" is typically used in formal or professional settings, such as academic papers, news articles, or formal speeches. It is a concise way to acknowledge a related topic or give a brief reference without dedicating significant time or attention to it.

This idiom is commonly found in written English, as it is a more formal expression. It may appear in scholarly and research papers, journalistic articles, or even in legal or political discourse. The use of this idiom adds a level of professionalism and conciseness to the writing or speech.

Furthermore, the idiom "make mention of" is often used to maintain focus on the main topic at hand while briefly acknowledging a related or tangential point. By using this idiom, writers and speakers can briefly address a related topic without fully diverting from the main subject or losing the attention of their audience.

The idiom "come to mention it" can also serve a similar purpose. It allows for the introduction of a new or additional point without straying too far from the main topic. It can be a useful tool in keeping the conversation or writing focused while still acknowledging related ideas.

Similarly, the idiom "touch on" can be employed to acknowledge a related topic or idea without going into great detail. It can help to maintain the flow of conversation or writing while still addressing an important point or connection.

In addition, the idiom "now you mention it" can be used to acknowledge and explore a topic or idea that has just been brought up. It allows for the consideration of new information or perspective without losing sight of the main subject. It can contribute to a more comprehensive and nuanced discussion or analysis.

Lastly, the idiom "make an appearance" can be utilized to acknowledge the presence or introduction of someone or something in a particular context. It can add depth and context to a conversation or narrative by acknowledging the significance of a person or thing entering the scene.

Overall, the idiom "make mention of" is a useful expression in the English language for acknowledging or referring to something briefly without going into great detail. Its origins can be traced back to Latin and Greek languages, and it is commonly used in formal and professional contexts. By employing this idiom, writers and speakers can acknowledge related topics without losing focus or delving extensively into them. The idiom "make mention of" serves as a valuable tool for concise communication and maintaining clarity.