now you mention it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘now you mention it’ mean?
The idiom "now you mention it" is used to acknowledge that the speaker has just remembered or noticed something that was previously mentioned. It implies that the speaker hadn't thought about it until it was brought up.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "say no more" is used to convey that there is no need to provide further explanation or information, as the listener already understands the intended meaning.
The idiom "refresh someone's memory" means to remind someone about something they have forgotten or to help them recall information or details. It is often used when someone needs a reminder or clarification about something they already know.
The idiom "put someone in mind of" means to remind someone of something or someone. It implies that the person or thing being referred to evokes thoughts or memories similar to another person or thing.
"Point out" is an idiom that means to draw attention to or indicate something, often by physically extending a finger or directing someone's gaze towards it. It can also be used figuratively to suggest highlighting or emphasizing a specific fact or detail.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
An idiom, "one moment," is often used to ask for a brief pause or to indicate a short delay in a conversation or an action.
The idiom "of late" refers to something that has occurred or been happening in the recent or immediate past.
The idiom "now you're talking" means that someone is finally saying or suggesting something desirable, favorable, or more in line with one's expectations or desires.
The idiom "now for" means it is time to focus on or address a specific issue or task immediately.
Discovering the Unspoken Implications
The idiom "now you mention it" is a phrase in the English language that acknowledges or confirms something that has been mentioned in a conversation. It is often used when a person realizes or remembers something after it has been brought up by someone else.
The etymology of this idiom suggests that it is a colloquial expression that has been in use for many years. The exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from the combination of the adverb "now" and the verb "mention," both of which have Old English roots. "Now you mention it" is commonly used in both spoken and written English, and it is considered part of everyday language.
Using the related idiom "come to mention it," the phrase takes on a slightly different meaning. When someone says "come to mention it," they are implying that they had not thought of or considered something until it was explicitly mentioned. This idiom implies a moment of realization or remembering that is triggered by the mention of a particular topic or detail. It can be seen as a form of agreement, validation, or acknowledgment of a previously overlooked fact or statement.
The related idiom "come to think of it" carries a similar meaning to "now you mention it." When someone says "come to think of it," they are indicating that they have just remembered or realized something related to the topic or statement being discussed. It suggests that the speaker had not given much thought to the matter until prompted by the conversation.
Using the phrase "make mention of," the idiom "now you mention it" takes on a slightly different connotation. When someone "makes mention of" something, they bring it up or refer to it in a conversation. In this context, "now you mention it" can be used to acknowledge or confirm what has been mentioned, indicating that the speaker recognizes the relevance or truth of the statement made.
Another related idiom is "come to mind." When something "comes to mind," it means that it is remembered or thought of in a particular moment. In the context of "now you mention it," the idiom can be used to express a sudden recollection or realization, similar to the meaning of the original phrase. It indicates that the speaker did not consider or remember something until it was explicitly mentioned, and it serves as affirmation or agreement with the statement or topic at hand.
The versatility of the idiom "now you mention it" is reflected in its usage in everyday language. It is a response that indicates a moment of realization or remembering in relation to what has been mentioned in a conversation. Whether used to validate, acknowledge, or express surprise, the idiom carries various connotations that add depth to communication and the human experience.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "now you mention it" can be used in a sentence:
"I didn't notice it before, but now you mention it, their new album does have a similar sound to their debut."
"Now you mention it, I do remember seeing her at the party last night."
"I never really thought about it, but now you mention it, the storyline of those two movies does seem quite similar."
More "Context" idioms
