History Main / GladIThoughtOfIt

* A repeated gag in ''WebVideo/{{Kickassia}}''. By episode 3, this has become a habit, to the point where Phelous can count down the seconds until the Critic repeats his idea. By the end of the series, they've done tons of different variations on that gag including the Critic preemptively stealing an idea and having to wait for Phelous to finish his sentence, the Critic hypocritically blaming Phelous for coming up with a bad idea, and Phelous tricking the Critic into suggesting his own beating.

[[quoteright:301:[[ComicBook/MiniMarvels https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gladithoughtofit.png]]]]]

[[quoteright:300:[[ComicBook/MiniMarvels https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/GladIThoughtOfIt_836.JPG]]]]
[[caption-width-right:300: That's why he gets the big bucks!]]

* In ''The Real Story Of Humpty Dumpty''. when Glitch the witch asks where she's going to get more eggs, her cat henchman Scratch suggests an egg farm. Glitch replies "That will never work. I have an idea. Let's get them at an egg farm." Scratch [[BreakingTheForthWall turns to the audience]] and dryly asks "[[DeadpanSnarker Now why didn't I think of that?]]"

* In the ''WesternAnimation/PawPawBears'' [[AdorableEvilMinions the henchmen, Slippery Paw and Bumble Paw,]] would make a suggestion and [[BigBad Dark Paw]] would repeat it and claim it as his own idea.

* Regarding the upcoming ''Film/{{Pan}}'' film, the director has stated that "Peter (Pan) has a tendency to claim other people's ideas as his own when they work, and claim they weren't his when they don't."

* ''VisualNovel/GrisaiaNoKajitsu'': Michiru, a character whose intelligence is [[KnowNothingKnowItAll nowhere near where she thinks it is]], does this on occasion. This tendency of hers is summed up during a conversation in which she tries to give nicknames to her classmates:

Occasionally, if the character coming up with the idea is [[DumbassHasAPoint especially dumb]], they may instantly forget that they made the suggestion in the first place, leading to a response of WhyDidntIThinkOfThat.

->'''Finn''': Just don't take credit for ideas that aren't yours.\\
'''Bufo''': Oh... okay.... Good idea.... Glad I thought of it....

* In an early [[{{Popeye}} Thimble Theatre]] comic, Castor Oyle (Olive Oyle's father) is annoyed that the political cartoonist for the newspaper he owns hasn't actually thought up a cartoon in several days. Castor suggests a cartoon showing the mayor as a vulture (a scandal was brewing during this) carrying off sheep, representations of the townspeople. The cartoonist derides this as stupid, before coming up with a comic portraying the mayor as a vulture carrying off sheep. Castor is not amused.

* ''WebAnimation/TurnaboutStorm'': Trixie gets Phoenix to explain a hole in her case and then immediately takes his theory as hers. True to character, [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} the Judge is completely oblivious to this]].
-->'''Judge:''' You sure are very bright, deducing something like that, Miss Trixie.\\
'''Trixie:''' Naturally!\\
'''Phoenix:''' ''*InnerMonologue*'' Argh! That was '''my''' deduction!

--> '''Astrex''': I say we get in, cover both of her houses and grab her as soon as we see her.
--> '''Haeten''': I SAID SHUT THE FUCK UP!!\\

Ok, here's the plan. We get in, camp at both houses and the first one to spot her kidnaps the girl.
--> '''Astrex''': I call plagiarism on my plan. It's not because you changed a few words that it makes it yours.\\
'''Haeten''': You have something to say about my plan?!\\
'''Astrex''': Not anymore.

[[folder:Films — Animated]]

-->'''Stacy''': The irony is that as an adult, you don't need to tell your mom. You can just bust them yourself.\\
'''Candace''': That's it, Stacy! I'm old enough to bust them myself!\\
'''Stacy''': That's what I just said.

--> '''Tuke:''' "Hoof man"? Why didn't I think of that?

-->'''Rabbit''': Oh, yes, the first heffalump expedition in history. Splendid idea. Glad I thought of it.

--->'''Sadness:''' [[SarcasmMode Great idea, Joy.]]\\

-->'''Danny:''' You could ask him.
-->'''Rusty:''' Hey, I could ask him.

--> '''Character 1:''' Character 2, shouldn't I do X?
--> '''Character 2:''' (to first character) No, why don't you take care of it?
* Variation from ''Film/Dune1984'':
--> '''[[TheStrategist De Vries]]:''' Now, as instructed, I have enlightened your nephews concerning my plan--
--> '''[[BigBad Baron Harkonnen]]:''' ''MY'' plan!
--> '''De Vries:''' ...''the'' plan to crush the Atreides.

*** He does it to Leela in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS15E2TheInvisibleEnemy "The Invisible Enemy"]]. She spends the episode telling him to blow up the enemy, only to become indignant when he congratulates himself on his brilliant idea of... blowing up the enemy.
*** In [[Recap/DoctorWhoS16E3TheStonesOfBlood "The Stones of Blood"]], Romana tells the Doctor to get on with finding the next segment of Key to Time. The Doctor starts to leave, turns back and tells her that he's decided to go find the location of the next segment of the Key to Time.
*** To Romana again in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS17E2CityOfDeath "City of Death"]], discussing Paris:

* A non-malicious example arises in ''VideoGame/{{Persona 4}}'' as the heroes are all discussing the latest developments in their murder investigation, what they signify and what they should do about it. Chie's only been half-listening to the discussion while thinking it over, and then, as the conversation concludes, she suddenly announces that she's got it all figured out - and proceeds to recite almost exactly what everyone else had just said. It doesn't seem to have been intentional, though she's still immediately called out for it.

-->'''Inquisitor''': [[JediMindTrick (Force Persuade)]] "How about you just give me the chip now?"
-->'''The Veil''': "Please, Lord, let us join your cult and give you the chip."
-->'''Inquisitor''': "Excellent idea. I wish I'd thought of it myself."

-->'''Makina''': "Look, we've all got diff'rent impressions of each other anyway. How about we just play around with th' name instead?"
-->'''Michiru''': "That's it! Brilliant! We'll play around with his name instead... Heheh, I'm just full of ingenious thoughts today!"
-->'''Yuuji''': "Most of them seem to be shamelessly stolen from Makina."

[[folder:Webcomics]]

* In ''{{Webcomic/Erfworld}}'', one of [[TheDragon Wanda's]] methods of getting [[PointyHairedBoss Stanley]] to do what she wants is to make him think it was his idea.

* A repeated gag in ''WebVideo/{{Kickassia}}'' By episode 3, this has become a habit, to the point where Phelous can count down the seconds until the Critic repeats his idea. By the end of the series, they've done tons of different variations on that gag including the Critic preemptively stealing an idea and having to wait for Phelous to finish his sentence, the Critic hypocritically blaming Phelous for coming up with a bad idea, and Phelous tricking the Critic into suggesting his own beating.
-->'''Phelous:''' Hey guys, uh, I got a idea. This might seem like a shot in the dark, but what if we'd just used ''weapons''?
-->'''WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic:''' Na na, it's a terrible idea. [{{beat}}] Wait! I have an idea!
-->'''Phelous, [[DeadpanSnarker sarcastically]]:''' Gee, does it involve using weapo-?
-->'''Critic, [[LargeHam very hammy]]''': It involves using weapons!
* Inverted in [[WebVideo/YuGiOhTheAbridgedSeries Marik's Evil Council of Doom #2]]: Marik refuses to accept that there was anything wrong with his failed evil plan until reminded that Bakura thought of it.

* TheThwomps:
-->'''Thwhomp 1''': What we need to do is to gather all thwomps, and take over!
-->'''Thwomp 2''': That's a stupid idea. What we need to do is take over, by gathering all the thwomps.
* ''WebAnimation/TheMostPopularGirlsInSchool'': When [[spoiler: Shay becomes Head Cheerleader in the middle of Season 3]], her strategy is to wait for Mackenzie to say something brainy, then steal it for herself. And each time, Mackenzie is ''not'' amused. This trope is lampshaded in [[http://zoe-productions.deviantart.com/art/MPGiS-How-Do-I-Headcheerleader-447343930 this fanart.]]
* ''WebVideo/ResidentEvilAbridged'': Masterfully done by Wesker to get his subordinate, Chris, to retrieve the passcode key from the aquatic-life testing facility for him:
-->'''Chris:''' "Any idea where it is?"
-->'''Wesker:''' "Well, following [[MalevolentArchitecture the trend of this place]], probably the most dangerous area possible. On a related note: [[ContrivedCoincidence I happened upon a document about a secret aquatic-life testing facility."]]
-->'''Chris:''' "...and I'll bet [[SarcasticDevotee you want ME to check it out, right...?"]]
-->'''Wesker:''' ''(ignoring him)'' [[AskAStupidQuestion "Absolutely!" you say? Thanks a bunch, Chris.]] That's what I like about you: a real go-getter. Do be careful to stay in one piece. K thanks bye." ''(leaves quickly)''

-->'''Nanobot 2''': Oh, if I had the old module back, I'd correct for error like no one ever corrected for error, then the Creator would be pleased with me.\\
'''Nanobot 1''': I have it! I'll use the old module to correct for error! Then the Creator will be pleased with me!\\
'''Nanobot 2''': Hey! You stole my idea!\\
'''Nanobot 1''': I used your idea as a springboard.\\
'''Nanobot 2''': You stole my springboard.

-->'''Launchpad''': We could follow this trail of latex that leaked out of the tank, DW.\\
'''Darkwing''': Unless of course, we follow this trail of latex that leaked out of the tank!\\
'''Launchpad''': Whoa! That guy's amazing!

-->'''Jon''': I know! I'll call Grandma! Jon, you're a genius!\\
'''Garfield''': ...If he had a brain, he'd be dangerous.

-->'''Stan''': Soos, this hall of mirrors is your best idea that I'm taking credit for yet.

-->'''Justin''': Look at that, Stane has gone completely loopy! Who needs remote control? I can just sit back and watch the fireworks.\\
'''Sasha''': Yes, but if you save that little girl, imagine the press. You'll be a hero and they'll give you the military contract. Forget Mandroids, think about an entire army of Titanium Men.\\
'''Justin''': And then I could buy out Stark International! Sasha, do you know who the real brains behind this operation is? Me! Hahahahaha! What an ingenious plan I just came up with! Sasha, you could learn a thing or two from me.\\
'''Sasha''': ''*eyeroll*''

-->'''Minty''': I didn't understand Kimono at first of course, I mean, who understands her at first? "Unity often makes tasks easier to conquer," who understands that?\\
'''Wysteria''': We give Kimono one charm bracelet instead of eight?\\
'''Minty''': See, I didn't get it either. But then I did! We give Kimono ''one'' charm bracelet instead of eight!

--->'''Pinkie''': In the name of the earth ponies, I think I'm gonna name this new place...uh...[[MundaneMadeAwesome DIRTVILLE!]]\\
'''Applejack''': [[DeadpanSnarker How 'bout "Earth"?]]\\
'''Pinkie''': EARTH! Congratulations to ''me'' for thinking of it!

--->'''Idea!Discord:''' Why don't you host the next tea party?\\

'''Idea!Discord:''' Hey, that's my idea!

-->'''Goolem''': That's a great idea!\\
'''Zugg''': Gee, thanks, boss!\\
'''Goolem''': Glad I thought of it!

-->'''Hordak''': ...to protect MY splendid idea...\\
'''Shadow Weaver''' (''whispering to Mantenna''): HIS idea? It was MY idea!\\
'''Mantenna''': B-but, Hordak, I thought this was Shadow Weaver's idea.\\
'''Hordak''': You know it's funny, I could have sworn I heard someone say something. ''presses button to trap door''\\
'''Mantenna''': EYIII! ''splash - Mantenna falls through the open trap door into the wet basement of the Fright Zone''\\
'''Hordak''': Now. Do any of YOU want to say anything?\\
'''Shadow Weaver and Grizzlor''': ''headshake''

--> '''Pammy:''' Tyg, Bogey, why don't you fellas go and find out what Digger is up to and let us know.\\

** "Welcome To The Chum Bucket" with Plankton and Karen.
--->'''Karen:''' To get to the Spongebob, you must show him compassion and understanding. Then he'll give you what you want.\\

* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'': In [[Recap/StarWarsTheCloneWarsS4E5MercyMission "Mercy Mission"]], R2-D2 and C-3PO are stuck in the underground of the planet Aleen, and have to figure out a riddle about the cavern they're in to get back to the surface. While Threepio loudly muses to himself about what the riddle could be, R2 quickly figures out the answer (water) and activates the mechanism to get out of the room. Threepio quickly assumes he came up with the answer himself, and continues to press the issue for the rest of the episode.

-->'''Flight 123''': This is flight 123 requesting to descend to 5000.\\
'''ATC''': Flight 123, descend to 5000.\\
'''Flight 123''': [[RepeatToConfirm Descend to 5000]], flight 123.

These are all good examples; glad I thought of them.

* Variation from the 1984 ''Film/{{Dune}}'' adaptation:

'''Timon:''' That's the stupidest thing I ever heard! Maybe he'll... Wait, I've got an idea! What if he's on our side?

* In the classic "Duck Rogers in the 24 1/2th Century," Eager Young Space Cadet (Porky) suggests following a string of planets marked "A," "B," etc. to find Planet X. Duck ridicules the suggestion, then says:
-->'''Duck Dogers:''' Hey, wait a minute. I'll just bet that if we follow those planets, we'll find Planet X. (Dramatic turn) Gad! How do I do it?
-->'''Space Cadet:''' I, ah, di-don't know!

* In the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' short "Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century", Porky (the eager, young space cadet) decides that the best way to find the elusive Planet X is to follow a row of planets marked A, B, C, etc. Daffy (Duck Dodgers) first laughs at the idea, and then immediately claims it as his own.

* On ''[[WesternAnimation/SuzysZooAdventuresInDuckport Suzy's Zoo: Adventures in Duckport]]'', this is practically Jack's CatchPhrase, though he will usually back down when called out on it.

* From "The Reign of WesternAnimation/{{Megamind}}," (a video comic extra):

* The WesternAnimation/SuperMarioWorld episode "Gopher Bash" has Cheatsy Koopa suggest to Koopa that they steal the cave people's crops, forcing them to get food from Koopa. Slight subversion in that Koopa considers it a brilliant suggestion, but he still remarks "Glad I thought of it".
* ''WesternAnimation/DastardlyAndMuttleyInTheirFlyingMachines'': In "A Plain Shortage of Planes", Klunk suggests to Dick Dastardly that the squadron buy an airplane to replace the planes that crashed. This is also probably the only time Dastardly did not ask Zilly to translate.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' short "Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century", Porky (the eager, young space cadet) decides that the best way to find the elusive Planet X is to follow a row of planets marked A, B, C, etc. Daffy (Duck Dodgers) first laughs at the idea, and then immediately claims it as his own.

-->'''Launchpad''': We could follow this trail of latex that leaked out of the tank, DW.
-->'''Darkwing''': Unless of course, we follow this trail of latex that leaked out of the tank!
-->'''Launchpad''': Whoa! That guy's amazing!
* ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales1987'', "[[Recap/DuckTalesS1E4WhereNoDuckHasGoneBefore Where No Duck Has Gone Before]]". Seconds after Launchpad suggests that one of them should play sick as a distraction, Courage announces that they'll use "[[SickCaptiveScam the old sickness ploy]]" to escape from the aliens. Notably, Launchpad doesn't say anything, but unlike with Darkwing, his smirk indicates he knows Courage did not come up with that idea on his own.
* ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants''
** "Welcome To The Chum Bucket" with Plankton and Karen.
--->'''Karen:''' To get to the Spongebob, you must show him compassion and understanding. Then he'll give you what you want.
--->'''Plankton:''' Will you be quiet, I'm thinking! I've got it! To get to the Spongebob, I'll show him compassion and understanding. Then he'll give me what I want.
** This becomes a RunningGag in the series. Anytime Karen suggests something, Plankton will act like he doesn't understand or it's not important, then say the exact same idea.
** In another episode:
--->'''[=SpongeBob=]:''' What if we help you?
--->'''Mermaid Man:''' No, no, that's a terrible idea. But what if [[DistinctionWithoutADifference you help me?]]
** 20,000 Patties Under the Sea:
--->'''Squidward:''' Well, since you can't bring any customers into the Krusty Krab, have you ever thought about bringing the Krusty Krab to the customers?
--->'''Mr. Krabs:''' Quiet, Squidward, I'm brainstorming! Ooh, ooh! What if instead of bringing customers to the Krusty Krab, we could bring the Krusty Krab to the customers?
* ''Franchise/CareBears''
** In [[WesternAnimation/CareBears1980s the 1980s cartoon]], Shreeky does this to Beastly as a RunningGag. Here's an example from "The Most Ancient Gift":
---> '''Beastly:''' A-ha! We could grab those camels and make a getaway!
---> '''Shreeky:''' I've got a better idea! Let's grab those camels and make a getaway!
---> '''Beastly:''' Oh, why didn't I think of that?
** Grizzle does this in an episode of ''Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot''. UR-2 suggests that he get the Care Bears to like him, and Grizzle falls on the floor laughing. UR-2, unfazed, continues explaining that if the bears like him, they'll trust him, and Grizzle puts the rest of the pieces together. He claims the plan as his own, ignoring UR-2's objections.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/{{Talespin}}'' episode "Captains Outrageous", Don Karnage sends Mad Dog and Dumptruck into Cape Suzette to kidnap a rich kid and hold him for ransom. When Mad Dog hears about a "super secret anti-pirate weapon"...
-->'''Mad Dog:''' We can get the kid * and* the weapon. Ooh, wait till Don Karnage gets a load of this...
-->*Mad Dog gets on the radio to explain to Karnage*
-->'''Don Karnage:''' Two for one...I like it! I like it so much, I must have thought of it myself.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSpectacularSpiderMan'' does this as well, with J. Jonah Jameson both criticizing ''and'' [[SelectiveObliviousness selectively hearing]] Peter Parker's suggestion that photos of Spider-Man would sell papers.
* In the story "Dare Duck" from ''WesternAnimation/PBAndJOtter'', Peanut, Jelly and Flick are lost in the woods and Jelly gets the idea to follow a stream downhill in order to return to Lake Hoohaw. Peanut says it's a great idea and Flick agrees, "Great?! It's perfect! Glad I thought of it!"
* In an episode of ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheBraveAndTheBold'', Robin deduces that Crazy Quilt is going to break into STAR Labs. Batman replies "Of course! He must be going to break into STAR Labs!" The implication here isn't that Batman is stealing Robin's idea, it's that he simply isn't listening because he still thinks of Dick as the sidekick.

-->'''Samy:''' What if you used Jimmy's new catchphrase to sell your fat-based drink?\\

* In ''WesternAnimation/AladdinTheSeries'', this often happens to BeleagueredAssistant Haroud. Abis Mal will often dismiss his ideas then come up with the same idea himself, although sometimes he'll rephrase it.
* The joke goes full circle with the wizard Bufo in ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime''.
-->'''Finn:''' You don't have to quit your job. Just don't take credit for ideas that aren't yours.\\
'''Bufo:''' Uh, good idea. Glad I thought of it.
* A variation from ''[[MyLittlePony My Little Pony: A Charming Birthday]]'':

* This was a RunningGag with Mr. Big, Boris and Natasha's boss in early episodes of ''WesternAnimation/RockyAndBullwinkle''. A plan that worked was ''always'' his plan until the moment it started to flop, at which point it was Boris' plan. (And he always let Boris know that.)

** In the episode "Discordant Harmony," [[RealityWarper Discord]] does this to himself:
-->'''Idea!Discord:''' "Why don't you host the next tea party?"
-->'''Discord:''' "I've got it! Why don't I host the next tea party at my place!"
-->'''Idea!Discord:''' "Hey, that's my idea!"
* Happens several times in ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'', often with Bart and Lisa or Homer and Lisa.
* ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' episode when Stan is hosting a telethon to raise the money to pay for the terrorist torturing devices. Roger actually came up with the idea of a telethon, but Stan thought it was stupid until it turned out to be a great idea and takes it as his own. Roger plots revenge by sabotaging the stage as the [[Literature/ThePhantomOfTheOpera Phantom Of The Telethon]].
** In the same episode, it's revealed Roger went though the same thing with Creator/JerryLewis.
* An episode of ''WesternAnimation/{{Arthur}}'' in which the Tibble Twins annoy DW by imitating the characters from a ''Franchise/PowerRangers''-esque show they accidentally watched without permission has her complaining about it to Arthur, who suggests that DW just tell them that they're annoying her and her friends with their actions. The next scene has DW explaining the plan to one of her friends, who asks DW if her mom gave her that suggestion to which DW says that she came up with it all on her own.
* Halvar, the father of Vicky the Viking incurs in this trope in every episode after his son's brilliant plan saves the day. Played somewhat for laughs since Halvar is a rather rustic chieftain.
* ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'' had an episode where Frankie had to buy groceries and her suggestion that they ordered pizza was rejected. When she came back, Mr. Herriman, who rejected her idea, told her it took her so long for her to come back the imaginary friend who moved in at the beginning of that episode suggested ordering a pizza.
* In ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerbTheMovieAcrossThe2ndDimension'' Candace decides that as an adult, she's too mature to beg her mom to bust her brothers, leading to this exchange;
--> '''Stacy''': The irony is that as an adult, you don't need to tell your mom. You can just bust them yourself.
--> '''Candace''': That's it, Stacy! I'm old enough to bust them myself!
--> '''Stacy''': That's what I just said.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/IronManArmoredAdventures'' episode "Heavy Mettle" we have this exchange between SmugSnake Titanium Man/Justin Hammer and his VoiceWithAnInternetConnection Sasha, when Hammer sees Iron Monger/Obidiah Stane kidnapping Pepper:
-->'''Justin''': Look at that, Stane has gone completely loopy! Who needs remote control? I can just sit back and watch the fireworks.
-->'''Sasha''': Yes, but if you save that little girl, imagine the press. You'll be a hero and they'll give you the military contract. Forget Mandroids, think about an entire army of Titanium Men.
-->'''Justin''': And then I could buy out Stark International! Sasha, do you know who the real brains behind this operation is? Me! Hahahahaha! What an ingenious plan I just came up with! Sasha, you could learn a thing or two from me.
-->'''Sasha''': ''*eyeroll*''
* ''WesternAnimation/SheRaPrincessOfPower'': Hordak always takes credit for others' ideas in this manner. He also doesn't like it when called out on it.
-->'''Hordak''': ...to protect MY splendid idea...
-->'''Shadow Weaver''' (''whispering to Mantenna''): HIS idea? It was MY idea!
-->'''Mantenna''': B-but, Hordak, I thought this was Shadow Weaver's idea.
-->'''Hordak''': You know it's funny, I could have sworn I heard someone say something. ''presses button to trap door''
-->'''Mantenna''': EYIII! ''splash - Mantenna falls through the open trap door into the wet basement of the Fright Zone''
-->'''Hordak''': Now. Do any of YOU want to say anything?
-->'''Shadow Weaver and Grizzlor''': ''headshake''
--> - ''For Want Of A Horse''

* Blatantly lampshaded in one episode of ''WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles1987''. After Rocksteady and Bebop screw up again, Krang yells at Shredder for what "your stupid mutants" did, and Shredder responds by asking, "Why is it whenever they do something wrong they're ''my'' stupid mutants". Later in the same episode, the pair manage to actually steal the fuel needed to power the Technodrome, and Krang remarks that, [[IResembleThatRemark "for once my mutants did a good job!"]]
* Clyde Crashcup from ''WesternAnimation/TheAlvinShow'' takes credit for inventions his assistant Leonardo does.
* In ''[[WesternAnimation/GarfieldSpecials Garfield's Thanksgiving]]'', Thanksgiving dinner is seemingly ruined so Garfield tries to get Jon to call his grandmother since she's the only one who could potentially salvage things for everyone. Unfortunately, none of the hints he's giving Jon [[TooDumbToLive are getting through to him]]. So finally, Garfield shoves a picture of Grandma Arbuckle in his face.
-->'''Jon''': I know! I'll call Grandma! John, you're a genius!
-->'''Garfield''': ...If he had a brain, he'd be dangerous.
* A Lampshaded variation pops up in ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls''.
-->'''Stan''': Soos, this hall of mirrors is your best idea that I'm taking credit for yet.
* [[WesternAnimation/TheFlintstones Fred Flintstone]] has done the old 'I'm glad I thought of it!' gag at least once.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/ShirtTales'' episode "Digger's Three Wishes", after Digger drives off in a limo:
--> '''Pammy:''' Tyg, Bogey, why don't you fellas go and find out what Digger is up to and let us know.\\
'''Tyg:''' Hey, like, I got a better idea. Bogey and I will go find out what Digger's up to and you gals cover for us.\\
'''Kip:''' Isn't that what you just said, Pammy?\\
'''Pammy:''' Humor them, Kip, humor them.

* This exchange in ''WesternAnimation/TheBeatles'' episode "Boys," between the executive of a movie studio and an associate, who pitches the idea of a contest to find a "Mr. Hollywood":
-->'''Associate:''' They held a contest to find Scarlett O'Hara.
-->'''Executive:''' It was a failure.
-->'''Associate:''' They held a contest to find a new Tarzan.
-->'''Executive:''' It was a failure.
-->'''Associate:''' Okay, what do we do? How will we find Mr. Hollywood?
-->'''Executive:''' We'll hold a contest.
* In the second episode of ''WesternAnimation/BudgieTheLittleHelicopter'', Chuck wants to take part in the fete but Lionel shoots down all of his ideas because of the downdraft his rotors would cause. Then Budgie pitches in an idea:
-->'''Budgie:''' He could fly around the ''outside'' of the field, Lionel. Then the folks could see him.
-->'''Pippa:''' Yes, good idea!
-->'''Lionel:''' Yes, thank you Budgie, I'll decide what he can do. You can... you can, uh, fly around the outside of the field.
* On ''WesternAnimation/WallyKazam'', Bobgoblin does this to Hattie several times in "The Explorers Club" when she's part of his club. She gets tired of this and his bossing her around, but doesn't quit simply because she wants to find out what will happen as far as the "chickephant" animal they've been chasing.
* This trope is ''WesternAnimation/CaptainFlamingo'''s entire "superpower" in a nutshell. He ''thinks'' he has a SpiderSense-like power in the form of a voice in his head that tells him the best course of action, when it's really just his best friend/sidekick giving him suggestions. He's either too deep in thought, too arrogant, or just too stupid to realize the suggestions are coming from her. Meanwhile, ''she'' thinks he knows the suggestions are from her, and she has a crush on him, so she's quite flattered to be referred to as his superpower. Of course, she can't take ''all'' the credit. He usually badly misinterprets her suggestions and does something totally different, which ends up causing some Rube Goldberg style chain of events that works out perfectly for him by sheer dumb luck.
* ''WesternAnimation/ShimmerAndShine'': When Zeta is running out of the magic carpet dust she uses to make her scooter fly, her pet dragon Nazboo suggests using flying flour instead. She claims to be the one who thought about it.
* Inverted for a laugh in "Crimes of the Hot," an episode of ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}.'' After discovering that the world's robot population is responsible for the massive buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, Richard Nixon's Head decides to destroy all of them with an EMP cannon. He sends a message to all of the planet's robots inviting them to a big party on the Galapagos Islands; when the Planet Express crew receives it, Zoidberg loudly puzzles out what it could mean before declaring that it must be a deactivation trap. No one responds, and Leela remarks that the ruse is so painfully transparent that everyone saw through it immediately. So Zoidberg is trying to take credit for an idea that ''no one bothered to say.'' The poor guy really can't catch a break.
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Kaeloo}}'': The show has a RunningGag where Stumpy and Quack Quack get stuck in a situation, Quack Quack suggests a plan, and Stumpy pretends that he was the one who thought of it.
* Used in ''WesternAnimation/TheAdventuresOfJimmyNeutronBoyGenius'' episode "Return of the Nanobots":
-->'''Nanobot 2''': Oh, if I had the old module back, I'd correct for error like no one ever corrected for error, then the Creator would be pleased with me.\\
'''Nanobot 1''': I have it! I'll use the old module to correct for error! Then the Creator will be pleased with me!\\
'''Nanobot 2''': Hey! You stole my idea!\\
'''Nanobot 1''': I used your idea as a springboard.\\
'''Nanobot 2''': You stole my springboard.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/ToxicCrusaders'' episode "Club Fred", Psycho gives a sarcastic suggestion that they prevent the Toxic Crusaders from interfering with their current EvilPlan by sending them on a tropical vacation. Dr. Killemoff seriously considers the idea and takes full credit for it

* In the ''[[WesternAnimation/MightyMouse Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures]]'' episode "Pirates with Dirty Faces", three young mice end up on a pirate ship and suggest to the pirates that they can get the captain to sleep and thereby start a mutiny by having a slumber party. The first mate finds it a good idea and states "Glad I thought of it".
* The ''WesternAnimation/ButtUglyMartians'' episode "Playback/Payback" had [=2T=] Fru-T come up with the idea of preventing the Martian's lack of progress in invading Earth from being discovered by Emperor Bog by replacing the robot's tape with a recording of a staged invasion. B-Bop A-Luna finds it a terrific idea and remarks "Am I a genius or what?"
* The ''WesternAnimation/DrZitbagsTransylvaniaPetShop'' episode "Food Glorious Pet Food" has Horrifido give the suggestion to Dr. Zitbag that they replace the pet food confiscated by Officer Deadbeat by buying pet food at the grocery store. Dr. Zitbag gives himself credit for the idea, much to Horrifido's displeasure.

* Shows up on ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'', when Timmy brings a dinosaur to show and tell.
-->'''Cosmo:''' It was my idea\\
'''Wanda:''' No, it was my idea.\\
'''Cosmo:''' Well it was my idea to take your idea.

A common variation has Alice acting as though she has not heard Bob's suggestion at all, and then repeating it word-for-word as though she had just thought of it. This variation is important: without it, the character who's "glad they thought of it" technically isn't lying - they did think of it, as a consequence of someone else's voicing the idea; what they're lacking is the acknowledgement "... because you said it", and that lack is the essence of the trope. If Alice honestly hadn't heard the plan before independently suggesting it, it's a case of StrangeMindsThinkAlike.

[[folder:Comics]]

[[folder:Films -- Animated]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]

* ''Series/OurMissBrooks'': Mr. Conklin uses this trope from time-to-time, usually at Connie's expense. However, being a DeadPanSnarker, Connie doesn't let this go without remark.
* Jim from ''Series/TheOfficeUS'' uses this trope sarcastically a couple of times, usually to point out the ridiculousness of said plan. For instance, during a meeting in the episode "Did I Stutter", Andy proposes to add a bit more zing and pep to their answering machine message in order to energize the company. Jim responds by saying they should add a newer message with even more zing and pep.
* Colonel Klink does this all the time on ''Series/HogansHeroes''. Colonel Hogan regularly takes advantage of it to manipulate him, often complimenting Klink on the brilliance of his plan.
* Schemer does this in an episode of Series/ShiningTimeStation.
* Moe of ''Film/TheThreeStooges'' did this all the time.
* ''Series/{{Friends}}'', Rachel is looking for a roommate and Phoebe's roommate just moved out. "Well maybe I could be your roommate, Pheebs." "...Hey, maybe ''you'' could be my roommate!"
* In ''Series/GetSmart'', Agent 99 will often suggest a plan, after which, Max will re-quote the plan in the same exact words as if it were his own idea... Agent 99 will usually pause for a bit before deciding to humor Max.\\
There is also a variant when Max is asked to explain how or why his brilliant idea will work. He chides the questioner... then asks 99 for the explanation. When 99 supplies it, he closes with something to the effect of "''that's'' how/why my brilliant idea will work".
* ''Series/BlackAdder'' Edmund often does this to Baldrick throughout the series, most notably in the first season where Baldrick is portrayed as smarter than Edmund.\\
\\
An example occurs in the very first episode. Edmund, having become a Prince of the Realm after the death of the previous king, decides to adopt a new nickname. His initial idea is ''[[AtrociousAlias The Black Vegetable]]''. Baldrick suggests that something like ''The Black Adder'' might be more awe-inspiring. Edmund then proclaims that he has an even better idea: ''[[TitleDrop The Black Adder]]''.

* Happened [[OnceAnEpisode Twice An Episode]] in ''Wonderbug'', the first usually boiling down to "Let's get Wonderbug to help", the second being "Let's put on goofy disguises", and the second one usually having a variation. In fact, in at least one episode, the roles of Susan (who usually suggests the idea) and Barry (who steals the idea) are reversed, leaving Barry confused afterwards.
* A running gag in the ''Series/{{MASH}}'' episode "Rally Round the Flagg, Boys".
* ''Series/DoctorWho''
** In the serial ''[[Recap/DoctorWhoS16E3TheStonesOfBlood The Stones of Blood]]'', Romana tells the Doctor to get on with finding the next segment of Key to Time. The Doctor starts to leave, turns back and tells her that he's decided to go find the location of the next segment of the Key to Time.
** The Fourth Doctor seems particularly prone to this, as he does the same to Leela in ''The Invisible Enemy''. She spends the episode telling him to blow up the enemy, only to become indignant when he congratulates himself on his brilliant idea of...blowing up the enemy.
** To Romana again in ''City of Death'', discussing Paris:
--->'''Doctor''': It's the only place in the world where one can relax entirely.\\
'''Romana''': Mm. That bouquet.\\
'''Doctor''': What Paris has, it has a life, it has an ethos, it has ...\\
'''Romana''': A bouquet?\\
'''Doctor''': ...a spirit all its own. Like a wine, it has ...\\
'''Romana''': A bouquet.\\
'''Doctor''': It has a ''bouquet''. ({{Beat}}) Yes.
** The Sixth Doctor did this to Peri also.
** He even does it to himself in "[[Recap/DoctorWho2017CSTwiceUponATime Twice Upon A Time]]". The First Doctor tells the Twelfth Doctor to stop waving that silly 'sonic screwdriver' around and use his eyes to note something about the Glass Woman (her face is asymmetrical and thus must be based on a real person, not a computer image). Later Twelve takes credit for seeing this and when the First Doctor objects, Twelfth points out that [[TheNthDoctor technically they're the same person!]]
* Paul does this to Barry a lot in ''Series/{{Chucklevision}}''.
* In the Swedish children's show ''Dr Mugg'', this is a running gag. Captain Filling, the hero, will ask out loud what he can do to stop Dr. Mugg's latest plan. His love interest will propose an idea. He will hijack the idea. She, fawning all over him, will ask how he comes up with such brilliant plans. He will announce "Simple! I just use my brain!" and [[IdiotHero point to some completely random part of his body]].
* Subverted in ''Series/TheITCrowd'' when Moss has a good idea but decides its stupid until Jen repeats it and he congratulates her on having a good idea, while Jen confusedly thanks him.
* Used a lot on ''Series/ItsAlwaysSunnyInPhiladelphia''. The gang likes to pull this trope on ButtMonkey Sweet Dee.
* {{Invoked}} in an episode of ''[[Series/{{Blackadder}} Blackadder the Third]]''. The Prince refuses to sponsor Dr. Samuel Johnson's Dictionary and insults the man on the way out, but Edmund promises Johnson he can change the Prince's mind in a few minutes. He does so by telling the Prince that pretending to hate the Dictionary while actually loving it was a brilliant joke, which causes him to instantly adopt this attitude (the entire episode is predicated on the Prince's desire to convince people that he was witty and sophisticated).

* ''Series/PowerRangersZeo'':
** In "Invasion of the Ranger Snatchers", after the Rangers alter the ending of Sprocket's movie, Klank shows he came up with a new screenplay. Sprocket approves, saying "I'm so glad I thought of it". Klank only has a chance to say "But.." before the FinalBattle starts.
** This is what happens when Finster suggests Lord Zedd used the Power Rangers against Gasket. "That's a brilliant idea, Finster! I'm glad I thought of it!" (Yes, Zedd actually says it word-for-word.) Finster doesn't mind in the least that Zedd takes the credit, because his suggestion is being acted upon.
* ''Series/TheAquabatsSuperShow'', in the cartoon segment of "Uberchaun!":
-->'''Ricky Fitness:''' Commander! What if we shrink ourselves and fight them from inside Jimmy?\\
'''MC Bat Commander:''' Maybe, ''(discards crowbar)'' or even better! We can shrink ourselves and fight them from inside Jimmy!

* Another good natured example occurs in ''Series/BabylonFive''. Commander Ivanova appropriates an extremely obvious solution to a problem that she missed and Dr. Franklin suggested (they need a strong power source, and the planet they orbit houses an immensely powerful machine controlled by an ally), but she is clearly embarrassed that she could miss it, and Franklin is playing along to make her feel better.
* While he doesn't say this exactly, Archie of ''Series/AllInTheFamily'' lives up to the spirit of this trope in ''Archie Eats and Runs'' when Mike suggests they check to see if Edith served poison mushrooms for dinner, only to immediately have Archie dismiss it and then repeat the idea verbatim to Edith not a second later.
* In the Swedish comedy show ''Series/KennyStarfighter'' the titular hero often responds to his kid sidekicks' suggestions of "How about we do X?" with a "No, let's do X". Although he's such a CloudCuckoolander that it's not clear if he consciously is trying to steal their ideas, or if he didn't listen to a word they said to begin with.
* ''Series/ElChapulinColorado'' has as one of his catchphrases "That's exactly what I was going to say" whenever someone comes up with a good idea.

[[folder:Newspaper Comics]]
* ''ComicStrip/{{Dilbert}}''
** Dilbert and his co-workers have taken advantage of the PointyHairedBoss' habit of doing this several times -- suggest something ridiculous, wait for him to steal the idea, try not to laugh in PHB's face.
** In one strip, Dogbert was helping a guy who wanted a career belittling other people. Dogbert suggested that he pursue a career in management and decided to give him the management aptitude test. The guy instantly declared, "Hey, I have an idea! I should pursue a career in management!" Dogbert, of course, replied, "Congratulations, you just passed the management aptitude test."
** In [[http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/2004-04-30/ another]] strip, when PHB does this to Dilbert's idea, Dilbert attempts to steal it back, to which PHB replies angrily "I steal that idea to infinity."
* A months-long plotline in ''ComicStrip/ForBetterOrForWorse'' revolved around Elly trying to save the local theatre. Eventually, she gave up and took her young son Michael along to pack everything away. Michael, amazed by all the costumes, proclaims they could throw the biggest Halloween party ever. Elly immediately hijacks the idea and helps organize a big celebration, inviting the local officials for a big shin-dig... only for adults, no children allowed. When one of those officials then declares the theatre a local icon and saves it, he proclaims "[[BlatantLies I've been lobbying for this for months!]]", leaving Elly gobsmacked and [[HypocriticalHumor shocked that somebody would take credit for]] ''[[HypocriticalHumor her]]'' [[HypocriticalHumor idea]].
* In an early [[{{Popeye}} Thimble Theatre]] comic, Castor Oyle (Olive Oyle's father) is annoyed that the political cartoonist for the newspaper he owns hasn't actually thought up a cartoon in several days. Castor suggests a cartoon showing the mayor as a vulture (a scandal was brewing during this) carrying off sheep, representations of the townspeople. The cartoonist derides this as stupid, before coming up with a comic portraying the mayor as a vulture carrying off sheep. Castor is not amused.
* The very last multi-day ''ComicStrip/CalvinAndHobbes'' storyline involves Galaxoid and Nebular, [[ItMakesSenseInContext two aliens who Calvin sold the Earth to]], complaining about the cold Earth winter and demanding Calvin do something about it. Hobbes removes their Christmas stockings from the fireplace and gives them to the aliens, to which Calvin vehemently protests, since now "[[http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1995/12/23 Santa can't fill 'em with loot!]]" Hobbes reassures him that Santa knows they did a nice thing and will work something out, to which Calvin replies, "Hey yeah, I did something ''good''!"
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* An unusual variant occurs in [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/d/20050418.html this]] ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' strip where time travel allows a character to steal an idea from a future version of himself prompting him to say "I'm glad I will have thought of it"
* ''[[Webcomic/EightBitTheater 8-Bit Theater]]'':
-->'''Mob Boss:''' Good idea. GladIThoughtOfIt.
-->'''Mob Underling:''' That's why you're the boss. You're not afraid to go vaudeville on a guy.
* In ''Webcomic/RPGWorld'', Evil Soldier #347 suggests that Galgarion join the heroes in disguise. Galgarion promptly [[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity fires him]]... and then brings up the brilliant idea of joining the heroes in disguise!

* Sometimes in ''WesternAnimation/PawPawBears'' [[AdorableEvilMinions the henchmen, Slippery Paw and Bumble Paw,]] would make a suggestion and [[BigBad Dark Paw]] would repeat it and claim it as his own idea.

* A RunningGag in ''WesternAnimation/PawPawBears'' would be whenever [[AdorableEvilMinions his henchmen, Slippery Paw and Bumble Paw,]] make a suggestion, [[BigBad Dark Paw]] would repeat it and claim it as his own idea.

--> '''Astrex''': I call plagiarism on my plan. It's not because you changed a few words that it makes it yours.
--> '''Haeten''': You have something to say about my plan?!
--> '''Astrex''': Not anymore.

* In the Disney version of ''Disney/ThePrinceAndThePauper'', this is one of the two things the prince tells Mickey to say in order to pass himself off as a ruler. (The other one is "[[SeizeThem Guards, seize him!]]")
* [[ThoseTwoGuys Timon does this to Pumbaa]] in ''Disney/TheLionKing'', the sequel, the {{Interquel}} and ''WesternAnimation/TimonAndPumbaa''. Pumbaa never notices. Well, sometimes he does, but he promptly shrugs it off

* ''Disney/BrotherBear2'': Rutt explains to the female moose that he was a "hoof man". This prompts Tuke, who had been ditched by said females, to say this:

* In aviation, radio messages between air traffic control and pilots use a formalized series of phrases to minimize the possibility of misunderstandings ([[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife_airport_disaster with good reason]]). Every maneuver or change must be phrased as an instruction from ATC, even if it's something the pilot requested. In this case, though, everyone involved understands that it's just a matter of using standard pharases, ATC isn't ''really'' trying to take credit for the pilot's idea.