mull it over

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/mʌl ɪt ˈoʊvər/
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A natural way to say that a known question, offer, or decision needs careful thought before an answer is given.

Examples

  • After the meeting, he walked home to mull it over.
  • The board will mull it over before announcing a decision.
  • The proposal sounds sensible, but we should mull it over.
  • She heard the offer and promised to mull it over.
  • I need a day to mull it over before I answer.

Similar words

sleep on it
deliberate
ponder it
turn it over
consider it
weigh it
reflect on it
think it over

Meanings

Usage

Use mull it over for a decision already in view. When naming the thing directly, use mull over plus the noun phrase.

Common mistakes

Mull it over the plan doubles the object. Use mull it over or mull over the plan.

Etymology

From mull in the sense of letting a problem stew in the mind, joined with over to express repeated or reflective thought.

FAQ

What does mull it over mean?

Mull it over means to think carefully about something before deciding or answering.

Is mull it over formal?

It is neutral and conversational, suitable for everyday, work, and study contexts.

Can mull it over take another object after it?

No. Say mull it over when the object is already understood, or mull over the offer when naming it.

Is mull over the idea correct?

Yes. Mull over the idea is correct, but it is the broader phrasal verb pattern rather than the exact phrase mull it over.

Does mull it over mean decide quickly?

No. It suggests taking some time to think before deciding.

What is a synonym of mull it over?

Think it over, consider it, ponder it, and sleep on it are close alternatives.

Where does mull it over come from?

It comes from mull meaning to let a problem stew in the mind, combined with over for reflective thought.

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