FOLLOW IN (SOMEONE’S) FOOTSTEPS, FOOD FOR THOUGHT, FOOL AROUND: American English Idioms #76

FOLLOW IN (SOMEONE’S) FOOTSTEPS

The idiom “to follow in someone’s footsteps” is to be subjected to the same actions as someone else. This can be good, such as when one person trains another, or bad, such as when a murderer punishes and kills those who take after them.

Many people are very supportive of the idea that they would be happy if their children follow in their footsteps. This can be seen as an idiom meaning to follow in someone’s path or go where someone else has gone before.

An individual is bound to follow in the footsteps of those before them, as a result of action.
The means by which a person can walk in the footsteps of another include emulation, imitation and modeling. Inspiration from others is a great way to gain insight into one’s future self. Whether or not this is done consciously is up for debate.

Many aspiring writers want to follow in the footsteps of the greats by writing novels, books, and plays with a similar tone. They hope that they will find success when they write about topics in a way that is already popular with readers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The idiom “food for thought” is used to signify the importance of something that an individual should think about. This phrase refers to any content that can, in some way, provoke an individual to think more deeply about a particular subject. It could refer to something like a movie, or it could also be used when referring to personal opinions that are different than one’s own.

Food for thought is a metaphor used to describe an idea given to someone in order for them to think about and reconsider their own thoughts. The expression “to give someone food for thought” was first recorded in 1956 and has since come to take on the meaning of supplying something that might lead to a new consideration. It is seen as a potentially valuable contribution, even if one that might be difficult or take time to digest.

The phrase “food for thought” means something that makes you think about an issue or problem more deeply.

This idiom can be used to describe a concept that requires careful consideration. For example, a decision might need to be made and there are risks and benefits associated with each option so it is important to have a sound understanding of the topic. This expression also describes how an idea or proposal may require further examination before being acted on, for example in a business context as an investment opportunity.

FOOL AROUND

Fooling around is an idiom meaning to act impetuously. The word “fool” has the general meaning of a person who does not have enough knowledge, skill, or experience to be competent in a given situation. It could also refer to someone playing a trick on another in a playful way.

Fooling around means to have sexual intercourse with someone. The term is often used as a euphemism for having sex, but it can also mean to play around, such as playing card games. It does not mean to waste time or dawdle.

To “fool around” with something generally means to engage in a lighthearted activity without serious intention. It can also refer to not taking the activity seriously, an example being when someone is fooling around with math or playing a game of football. In this sense, “fooling around” is most often used as an informal word for doing something that requires little work and dedication.

When a person “fools around,” they are engaging in activities that do not have any specific purpose. The idiom refers to the physical interaction of one person with another, typically for pleasure and without an emotional connection.