An idea or problem that requires careful thought and consideration over time.
This metaphorical phrase emerged in the early 20th century, comparing mental processing to the physical act of chewing food. Just as tough meat requires extended chewing to break down and digest, complex ideas need time and mental effort to fully understand and absorb.
The phrase brilliantly captures how our brains actually work - neuroscience shows that we do indeed 'process' information much like digestion, breaking complex concepts into smaller, manageable pieces. The chewing metaphor also suggests that some ideas, like tough steak, become more flavorful and nutritious the longer we work on them.
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