reflection

a (kind of) reflection on (someone or something)

That which presents a particular kind of opinion about or informs the reputation of someone or something. The staff you hire to serve customers are the best reflection on your restaurant as a whole. Parents always want their children to be a positive reflection on them and their parenting. A: "I can't believe these landmarks are in such poor shape." B: "It's unfortunately a sad reflection on the economic state of our city."

See also: on, reflection

on mature reflection

After having given something careful consideration over an appropriately long period of time. On mature reflection, I realize now that my comments during the debate may have been hurtful to some citizens, and for that I apologize unreservedly. Many new homeowners are now, on mature reflection, beginning to wonder whether they made a worthwhile investment.

See also: mature, on, reflection

quiet reflection

Time spent in contemplation. I like to spend a moment in quiet reflection after a yoga class ends. Let's take this downtime for some quiet reflection, shall we?

See also: quiet, reflection

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

reflect (back) (up)on someone or something

to remember or think about someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) When I reflect back on the years I spent with my parents, I think I had a good childhood. I like to reflect on my great-grandmother.

See also: on, reflect

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

reflect on

1. Consider or think carefully about, as in She reflected on her country's role in history. [c. 1600] A closely related phrase is on due reflection, meaning "after careful consideration." For example, On due reflection I decided to vote for the incumbent.

2. reflect on one. Give evidence of one's qualities, as in The hasty preparation of this report will reflect on you. [Second half of 1600s]

See also: on, reflect

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

on mature reˈflection/consideˈration

(formal) after thinking about something carefully and for a long time: He wanted to ban his staff from using the Internet at work, but on mature reflection he decided that this would not be good for morale.

See also: consideration, mature, on, reflection

a sad, poor, etc. reflection on something

a thing which damages somebody’s/something’s reputation: The increase in crime is a sad reflection on our society today.

See also: on, reflection, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

reflect on

or reflect upon

v.

1. To think carefully about something: He sat in the garden and reflected on what he had just read.

2. To express carefully considered thoughts about something: In the essay, she reflects on her long career and offers advice for young writers.

3. To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something: The student's performance reflects well on the whole school. Hasty preparation of the report will reflect badly on you.

4. To appear as a reflected image on some surface: The trees are reflecting on the water.

5. To cause something to appear as a reflected image on some surface: The window reflected wavy lines on the floor.

See also: on, reflect

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.