marinate on
C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Think about something for a while and let the idea develop in your mind.
Literal meaning: In cooking, to marinate means to soak food in seasoned liquid — the metaphor suggests soaking an idea in your thoughts until it is fully absorbed.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To spend time slowly and deeply reflecting on an idea or concept, allowing it to develop in one's mind.
"Just marinate on that idea for a few days before you decide."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
A relatively recent informal coinage, more common in American English. Evokes the culinary sense of food absorbing flavour over time. Used in creative, self-reflective, and casual intellectual contexts.
Commonly used with
idea thought question concept that it
Forms
Base
marinate on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
marinates on
he/she/it
Past simple
marinated on
yesterday
Past participle
marinated on
have + pp
-ing form
marinating on
continuous
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Synonyms
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