marinate on

Let it simmer

To marinate on something is to sit with it mentally, letting thoughts develop over time like flavors deepening in a marinade: Let me marinate on that idea before I decide.

The phrase suggests unhurried reflection rather than quick judgment.

More common in casual speech than formal writing.

sit withRemain supportively beside
macerateSoften in liquid
incubateWarm until hatching
ponderThink deeply about
think overConsider at length

linger · steep · soak in · dwell · ruminate · mull over · mull it over · meditate · introspect · deliberate · wait · pensive · contemplate · simmer · analyze · evaluate · reflective · chew on

Opposites

decision timing/deliberation speed

marinate onjump to conclusions

Judge before full understanding

rush to judgment · shoot from the hip · wing it

cognitive engagement depth

marinate ondismiss

Send away or reject

ignore · disregard · brush off · overlook · shrug off

Family

marinate, marine, marina, mariner, maritime, marinade, marinated, marinates, marinating

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G