chew the cud
The phrase 'chew the cud' originates from the behavior of ruminant animals like cows, which regurgitate and re-chew their food. It is also used metaphorically to describe deep or prolonged thinking.
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Definition
B2Agriculture
(technical)To regurgitate partially digested food and chew it again, as done by ruminant animals.
Example
- Cows chew the cud to break down the cellulose in their food.
B2General
(figurative, idiomatic)To think deeply or reflect on something repeatedly.
Example
- He sat by the window, chewing the cud of his past decisions.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "chew the cud":