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.
Practice using mull it over in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

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

Similar words

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

Meanings

Think before deciding

decision making
neutral
To think carefully about something for a while before giving an answer, making a choice, or forming a judgment.

Examples

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

Similar words

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

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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