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."
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.
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?
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.
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]
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.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.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
reflect on
or reflect uponv.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.
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.