Anonymous  +  628910 Thu, 01 Jan 09 06:53 PM Hi, What does 'good thinking' mean? Does it mean 'good idea'? For example: Whay don't we go out to dinner tonight? Good idea! Can I use 'good thinking' instead of 'good idea' here? Thanks a lot. Anonymous

	Avangi  +  629056 Fri, 02 Jan 09 03:20 AM I don't think so.  "Good idea" can often refer to something which just pops into our heads, like an inspiration. "Good thinking!" logically suggests that the cognitive process might have been used.  That is, we reason things out and make a suggestion based on careful analysis.  But both expressions imply concurrence.  You like and agree with the idea.  You wouldn't say "That may be good thinking, but it's not going to work because etc." However, "good thinking" is sort of a popular idiom and is often used comically, or ironically, or sarcastically when someone does something really stupid.  But it also may be used as a colloquialism among friends to mean "good idea." Going out to dinner tonight could be an example of good thinking if doing so would solve some problem, such as killing two birds with one stone. There's nothing in the house to eat! Let's go out to dinner. Good thinking. Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 8,171 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier Idioms, Colloquialisms, Relationships, Friendships, Friends

	Avangi  +  629088 Fri, 02 Jan 09 06:33 AM Are you ready? Avangi

	Avangi  +  629234 Fri, 02 Jan 09 03:19 PM Something like that.  That would not be a usage which made use of the "true meaning" of the expression.  But it may always be used in a friendly, humorous way, in my opinion   -   sort of an "intensified" "good idea!", when "good idea" might seem trite.  But it would probably not be delivered in a "serious" manner.   - A. Avangi Usages

	Avangi  +  629419 Sat, 03 Jan 09 03:44 AM The occasions when "good idea" would not be appropriate would be those in which the reasoning process does not lead to a suggested action. It couldn't have been Mark that robbed that store on Saturday, even though it looks like him on the surveilance tape.  He was shown driving away in a car.  Mark is a Hasidic Jew and takes his religion very seriously.  He would never drive a car on the sabbath. Good thinking! How's that for absurdity? Avangi