Water under the bridge

[1001] Plant a seed

🎲 Twist someone's arm
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • To introduce an idea, suggestion, or piece of information subtly, often with the hope that it will grow, develop, or influence someone's thinking over time, perhaps leading them to eventually accept it or even think it was their own idea.

Origin

  • A clear metaphor based on agriculture: planting a physical seed in soil, expecting it to germinate and grow into a plant later.
  • The 'idea' is the seed, the person's 'mind' is the soil, and 'influence' or 'acceptance' is the grown plant.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Introduce an idea subtly
  • Suggest indirectly
  • Put a bug in someone's ear (Informal; similar, suggests getting someone thinking about something)
  • Float an idea (Test reaction to an idea)
  • Sow the seeds of [something] (Can be neutral but often used for negative concepts like doubt or discord)
  • Lay the groundwork (Prepare for a future action or idea)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Put a bug in their ear
  • Drop a hint (Often more specific/immediate than planting a seed)
  • Nudge them (Gentle push towards an idea/action)

Milder/Standard:

  • Introduce an idea
  • Suggest something for future consideration
  • Float an idea
  • Raise the possibility
  • Lay the groundwork for

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in most contexts, informal and formal, where subtle influence or gradual persuasion is desired.
  • Useful in management, parenting, relationships, brainstorming, and diplomacy.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The metaphor is generally clear and well-understood.

Examples

  • I'm not going to push the idea now, just plant a seed and see if he brings it up later.
  • She planted a seed about the potential benefits of remote work during the team meeting.
  • Maybe plant a seed about needing a vacation by leaving travel brochures around.

Dialogue

Spouse 1: I really think we should move to a bigger house, but I know you're hesitant.

Spouse 2: Yeah, it seems like a huge upheaval right now.

Spouse 1: Okay, well, no pressure. I just saw an article about how much greener the neighborhoods are a bit further out, and how good it is for kids to have more space to play... just something I read.

Spouse 2: Hmm, okay.

Spouse 1 (to a friend, later): I didn't push the moving idea, just planted a seed about the benefits. Hopefully, they'll start thinking about it more positively.

Social Media Examples

  • LinkedIn Post: Sometimes leadership isn't about directives, but about planting a seed and empowering your team to find the solution. #Leadership #ManagementTips
  • Tweet: Just planted a seed with my editor about a potential book sequel... fingers crossed it grows! 🌱 #AmWriting #AuthorLife
  • Parenting Blog: Instead of demanding chores, try planting a seed: 'Wow, the kitchen would look so much nicer if the counters were clear!'

Response Patterns

This phrase describes a communicative strategy, not usually said *to* the person being influenced (unless reflecting later).

    Responses when discussing the strategy:

    • Good approach. / Smart.
    • Let's see if it takes root.
    • Do you think they'll be receptive?
    • Subtle. I like it.

    Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

    • The person who planted the seed might subtly reinforce the idea later or watch for signs that the listener is considering it.
    • They avoid pushing the idea immediately, allowing time for it to develop.

    Conversation Starter

    • No. It describes a technique used within communication, not an opening line itself.

    Intonation

    • Usually said matter-of-factly or slightly strategically.
    • Emphasis on PLANT and SEED.
    • I just wanted to PLANT a SEED for now.

    Generation Differences

    • Widely understood and used across generations.

    Regional Variations

    • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
    Water under the bridge
    🎲 Twist someone's arm