History Main / GladIThoughtOfIt

* The ''WesternAnimation/SuperMarioWorld'' episode "[[Recap/SuperMarioWorldEpisode9GopherBash Gopher Bash]]" has Cheatsy Koopa suggest to Koopa that they steal the cave people's crops, forcing them to get food from Koopa. Koopa considers it a brilliant suggestion and remarks, "Glad I thought of it".

* A RunningGag in ''Series/DadsArmy''. Sgt Wilson will [[OnlySaneMan suggest a good idea]], then Captain Mainwaring will say, "Yes, I was waiting for you to say that, Wilson."
** Alternatively, when someone points out a flaw in a plan, Mainwaring will say, "Well done, (name) - I was wondering who would be the first to spot that!"

* In ''WesternAnimation/TheLEGOMovie'', when the heroes are trying to work out an escape plan after [[spoiler:CloudCuckooLand is attacked by Micro Managers]], Emmet rather meekly suggests that they go underwater and is ignored. Batman then loudly suggests the same idea, to [[HundredPercentAdorationRating immediate and very enthusiastic agreement]].

** In "[[Recap/PowerRangersZeoS1E9InvasionOfTheRangerSnatchers Invasion of the Ranger Snatchers]]", after the Rangers alter the ending of Sprocket's movie, Klank shows that 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.

A common payoff is StolenCreditBackfire, where the idea turns out to be a bad one and everyone blames Alice for it.

** [[ThoseTwoGuys Timon does this to Pumbaa]] in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994'', [[WesternAnimation/TheLionKingIISimbasPride the sequel]], [[WesternAnimation/TheLionKingOneAndAHalf the interquel]] and ''WesternAnimation/TimonAndPumbaa''. Pumbaa never notices. Well, sometimes he does, but he promptly shrugs it off.

** Earlier in the original film, Simba does this to Nala after the two manage to escape Zazu. Unlike Pumbaa though, Nala does notice and argues with Simba over who deserves credit. The two end up wrestling over it and [[IWasBeatenByAGirl Nala wins]], ''twice''.

** In another episode:

Bonus points if Alice [[FavoritismFlipFlop first criticizes the idea before stealing it]]. Further bonus points if Bob and Alice are members of a QuirkyMinibossSquad and Alice [[NeverMyFault returns ownership of the idea to Bob]] after the plan goes [[Literature/{{Discworld}} Wahoonie-shaped]].

* Halvar, the father of ''WesternAnimation/VickyTheViking'', 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.

* In real life cases, this phenomenon is known as [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptomnesia cryptomnesia]], which is when someone forgets a memory from an outside source, but recall it as if it were an original memory that they thought up. This is usually the result of the ability to properly monitor sources being impaired, causing the brain to focus more on the idea rather than the source.
** It's not unusual for some people with Asperger's or another form of autism to do this without realizing it, because in memory the storage of information is more likely to be disconnected from the source of the information.
* Thomas Edison is reputed to have done this several times, mostly notoriously to UsefulNotes/NikolaTesla. Of course he had to be a bit more forceful, seeing as people don't like seeing potentially incredibly profitable inventions stolen. This really bit Edison on the butt because Tesla managed to beat Edison in the World's Fair bid and the Alternating Current/Direct Current War. However, Tesla was later awarded the [[ComplimentBackfire Edison Medal]] for his accomplishments, which is kind of like getting the last laugh.
* UsefulNotes/JosefStalin, when this was politically expedient, brought up in a slightly changed form ideas condemned when they belonged to the rivals or formulated proposals as products of his "counseling with comrades". According to his once-secretary Bazhanov, a few minutes after reading the draft of new Party Charter the first time, he introduced it to Lenin as a result of development by "we here in the Central Committee" -- of course, this ''does'' sound better than "comrades here found one young man with a good project".

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMKDTTZgu1M Subverted here]]: during an open-source science conference, this guy catches a couple of startup entrepreneurs presenting his technology as if it was theirs. His reaction? He climbs on stage, slams the microphone on the ledger, pushes them aside, and finishes the presentation himself by shouting at the audience.

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

'''Goolem:''' Glad I thought of it!:
* 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.)

-->'''Hordak:''' ...to protect MY splendid idea...\\
'''Shadow Weaver:''' ''[whispering to Mantenna]'' HIS idea? It was MY 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?\\

* ''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.

* ''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.
* ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants''
** "Welcome to the Chum Bucket" with Plankton and Karen.

'''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.

'''Mermaid Man:''' No, no, that's a terrible idea. But what if [[DistinctionWithoutADifference you help me?]]
** "20,000 Patties Under the Sea":

* 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".
%%* 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.

-->'''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.

* Used in a Dominoes' commercial. Donald Trump ''receives a cheeseburger pizza'' from a delivery guy... and then acts like the cheeseburger pizza -- its invention, not ordering it, which was probably his secretary's idea from his reaction -- was his idea. And his yes-men compliment him on it. The delivery guy is the OnlySaneMan, of course.

-->'''Maeno (flashback):''' I just ''love'' the new character! Oh man, aren't you glad I came up with that idea?
-->'''Nozaki (present):''' After that, I made sure the character never appeared again. I just couldn't love her.

* ''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf'' features this exchange between Darker and some wolf soldiers in ''Mighty Little Defenders'' episode 48:

* ''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]].

* 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''!"
* In one Magazine/{{MAD}} "The Lighter Side" feature, one editor at a magazine (apparently Mad itself) pitches an idea his coworker thought up while noting that he has reservations about it. The head editor approves it, and the editor who mentioned it claimed that he had supported it all along.

* A RunningGag in Series Four of ''Fanfic/TheLionKingAdventures''. The Interceptor suggests several ideas to Shocker, who then takes credit for them as his own.
* This occurs between [[SnarkyNonhumanSidekick Jack]] and [[StupidEvil Sheila]] in ''Fanfic/CalvinAndHobbesTheSeries''.
* In the ''Manga/DeathNote'' fic ''FanFic/ACureForLove'' during his [[spoiler:MemoryGambit]] Light discovers a lead as to how [[WesternTerrorists Astraea]] and Kira might be killing when he finds a reference to a Book of Death the [[ThoseWackyNazis Nazis]] were searching for that is mentioned in an old fairy tale. L [[ItsProbablyNothing dismisses it as rubbish... ]] [[ManipulativeBastard and then steals Light's research.]]

* In ''Fanfic/TheNewAdventuresOfInvaderZim'' and ''Fanfic/RubyPair'' (both by [[Tropers/ZimFan89 the same author]]), Zim has a [[RunningGag habit]] of taking credit for his minions' good ideas.
** In the former story, Tak also occasionally does this with Tenn after they team up.

'''Chris:''' ...and I'll bet [[SarcasticDevotee you want ME to check it out, right...?]]\\

* 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;

* From "The Reign of WesternAnimation/{{Megamind}}", (a video comic extra):
-->'''Minion:''' Sir! You- You listened to me?\\
'''Megamind:''' No... Something you said just happened to make me take action on a plan of my own. Which bore a similarity to your suggestion, but was entirely of my own making.
* ''WesternAnimation/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:
-->'''Tuke:''' "Hoof man"? Why didn't I think of that?

* [[ThoseTwoGuys Timon does this to Pumbaa]] in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994'', the sequel, the {{Interquel}} and ''WesternAnimation/TimonAndPumbaa''. Pumbaa never notices. Well, sometimes he does, but he promptly shrugs it off
-->'''Pumbaa:''' Maybe he'll be on our side.\\
'''Timon:''' That's the stupidest thing I ever heard! Maybe he'll... Wait, I've got it! What if he's on our side?
** Earlier in the film Simba did this to Nala after the two managed to escape Zazu. Unlike Pumbaa though, Nala does notice and argues with Simba over who deserves credit. The two end up wrestling over it and [[IWasBeatenByAGirl Nala wins]], ''twice''.
-->'''Simba:''' I am a genius.\\
'''Nala:''' Hey "genius", it was ''my'' idea.\\
'''Simba:''' Yeah, but ''I'' pulled it off.\\
'''Nala:''' With ''me''!
* In ''WesternAnimation/TheLEGOMovie'', when the heroes are trying to work out an escape plan after [[spoiler:CloudCuckooLand is attacked by Micro Managers]], Emmet rather meekly suggests that they go underwater and is ignored. Batman then loudly suggests the same idea, to [[HundredPercentAdorationRating immediate and very enthusiastic agreement]].
* A chain of these happen in ''WesternANimation/StrangeMagic''. One of [[{{Jerkass}} Roland's]] minions suggests using a {{love potion}} which Roland's insulted by, since he thinks it implies he can't woo Princess Marianne successfully. When he thinks of other ways to woo her, he "comes up with" the idea to use a love potion. He then tricks [[DoggedNiceGuy Sunny]] into coming up with the love potion idea and encourages him to make one.
* In ''[[Franchise/WinnieThePooh Pooh's Heffalump Movie]]'', Roo proposes the "expotition" to capture a heffalump. Rabbit agrees that it's a great idea, takes credit for it, then bans Roo from going because it's too dangerous for little kid like him.
-->'''Rabbit:''' Oh, yes, the first heffalump expedition in history. Splendid idea. Glad I thought of it.
* In ''WesternAnimation/InsideOut'', when Riley has fallen asleep and they need to get the Train of Thought moving, Sadness suggests waking her up. Joy criticizes the idea, not seeing how they'd do it, then sees Dream Productions and repeats the idea.
-->'''Sadness:''' [[SarcasmMode Great idea, Joy.]]\\
'''Joy:''' [[SarcasmBlind Thanks. Come on!]]
* In ''Little Wolf's Book of Badness'', Little Wolf suggests to his uncle, TheBigBadWolf, the plan to dress up as the Granny of Literature/LittleRedRidingHood. He takes the idea, credits it to himself, and when Little Wolf protests says that if he was truly cunning, then he wouldn't share such ideas.
* 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 [[BreakingTheFourthWall turns to the audience]] and dryly asks "[[DeadpanSnarker Now why didn't I think of that?]]"

* Used in ''Film/{{Hook}}'', when Smee convinces the good Captain to try to get Peter's kids to love him.
* Occurs in ''Film/MissCongeniality'' when Gracie suggests to Eric how he should run his op. Eric immediately orders his team to follow those exact steps and follows it up with "Yeah, now I'm thinking!"
* Used in ''Film/OceansEleven'', when Danny and Rusty are discussing whether Saul will join their team.
-->'''Danny:''' You could ask him.\\
'''Rusty:''' Hey, I could ask him.
* In ''Film/SpiderMan2'', J. Jonah Jameson asks his lackey Hoffman for a catchy name to call that freak with eight limbs who has been causing a ruckus. Hoffman suggests "Dr. Octopus", but Jameson shoots it down. Jameson shoots down several more suggestions from Hoffman before declaring he just thought of the perfect name himself: Dr. Octopus! Hoffman begins to stammer in protest, but then resigns himself to his position as ProfessionalButtKisser and praises Jameson for "his" idea.
%%* Moe of ''Film/TheThreeStooges'' did this all the time.
* The ''Film/{{Airplane}}'' make a RunningGag out of the following dialog:

* In ''Film/{{Inception}}'' the plan centers on invoking this in the mind of the mark. While in the mark's dream you present him with an idea that he will suborn as his own upon waking up. The key is to make the mark truly believe that he came up with the idea on his own. This is much harder than simply stealing an idea.
* Used as a ChekhovsGun in ''Film/TheBradyBunch Movie''. Jan suggest entering herself and the other kids in a performance contest in order to raise enough money for the family to save their home, but is rejected. Much later, Marcia does the same thing and immediately everyone agrees with her... except Jan, who unlike other uses of this trope, [[WhatTheHellHero calls them (and specifically Marcia) out for blasting the idea when she originally thought of it first]]. This also winds up being the last straw for her after constantly being treated as TheUnfavorite and causes her to run away.

* Said by Brer Fox a couple of times in the "Tar Baby" sequence of ''Film/SongOfTheSouth''.
* Regarding ''Film/{{Pan}}'', 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."
* A variant is used in ''Film/AnnaAndTheKing'' after the king of Siam discovers that the English Prime Minister has referred to him as an "uncivilised savage." The king wants to go to war over the insult (which would have been a disaster for both him and his nation considering England's overwhelming military superiority over Siam) but Anna goes to the king and cleverly manipulates him into realising that diplomacy is a better solution. In a subversion, the king immediately realises that he's been manipulated by Anna but is also wise enough to not only agree with her but also to ask Anna for her advice in a way which makes it superficially seem as though she's guessed his method of diplomacy while she's really telling him the best method to use.
* In the James Bond film ''Film/TheLivingDaylights,'' Bond and the GirlOfTheWeek (a cellist) are escaping when she insists that they go back for her cello. Bond is adamant that they can't risk it, but she gets her way. Later, when they need an improvised sled:
-->'''Bond:''' "Glad I insisted you bring that cello!"
* {{Invoked}} in ''Film/DjangoUnchained''. Having [[spoiler:lost his master Calvin (and considerable influence on his proceedings)]], Stephen explains to Django that the Candie estate were arguing about how best to kill him, saying he had to work pretty hard to make them think that selling Django to a mining company to be worked to death was ''their'' idea.
* ''Film/AllTheTroublesOfTheWorld'': In Chairman Gulliman's second [[VideoPhone video call]], he demands that Hammond design a study for Multivac solving medical probabilities. After the call, Hammond points out to Leemy that a study on Multivac's [[PrescienceByAnalysis analysis ability to predict medical problems]] had been created six months ago, and now the Chairman was going to take credit for the idea of commissioning the study.
* ''Film/MonsterMash1995'' has Igor suggest to Dr. Frankenstein that they give the monster Scott's brain. Dr. Frankenstein dismisses Igor's suggestion before thinking it over and praising himself for the idea of putting Scott's brain into the monster's body.
* Inverted in ''Film/MrSmithGoesToWashington''; to keep Jefferson Smith from digging too deep into things he doesn't want him to know about, Senator Paine brings up the bill for a boys camp Smith had mentioned in the press. Smith eagerly decides to write it, and when he gets Saunders, his secretary, to help him, Smith insists it was all Paine's idea.

* Used dramatically in ''Literature/AnimalFarm''. Napoleon criticizes Snowball's plan to build a windmill, then claims he thought of it himself after he runs Snowball off the farm.
* Used intentionally by Ehren ex Cursori in the sixth ''Literature/CodexAlera'' book ''First Lord's Fury.'' [[spoiler:He manages to convince the current (usurping) First Lord to expose himself to a dangerous (and eventually fatal) situation and think it was his own idea.]]
* In ''Literature/PerlooTheBold'', Gumpel suggests that Berwig put Senyous at the head of the army, which Berwig accepts with a "how clever of me to think of that."
* Mentioned in the last ''Literature/ProtectorOfTheSmall''. A very green female knight running a refugee camp, Keladry of Mindelan can't always just give orders and have all of them obeyed immediately, and one of the things she figures out is how to phrase suggestions in ways that let her people think they came up with ideas. It might not be satisfying, but Kel's always been less interested in ego-stroking, more in results.
* Very common among the warlords in ''Literature/RomanceOfTheThreeKingdoms'', but the most prominent is [[SmugSnake Cao Cao]]. They will ask their advisors what to do, then when one gives advice they like, they respond "That's exactly what I was thinking!"
* The Russian SpaceNavy admiral in Creator/HarryHarrison's ''Literature/{{Starworld}}'' is known by his subordinates for his little tolerance to criticism (and love of [[VodkaDrunkenski vodka]] while on duty). As such, his NumberTwo tries to find ways to contradict his admiral in such a way as to present it as the admiral's own idea, usually with phrases like "Haven't you told me once..." The one time the subordinate openly criticizes the guy, he gets slapped for his efforts.
* Thomas Cromwell invokes this trope in ''Literature/WolfHall''. He'll make deferential hints to Henry about an idea he has, and a week later Henry will say, "Cromwell, don't you think we should...?" Cromwell doesn't care about credit so long as he has permission to carry out "Henry's" proposal.

* ''Literature/WatershipDown''. The rabbits have been caring for injured seagull Kehaar on the orders of their Chief Rabbit Hazel, who wants to use a bird to find another warren because they don't have any does. So Bigwig pours out their troubles to Kehaar, who comes up with the idea of searching for it himself, whereupon Hazel lavishly praises Kehaar for thinking up such a clever idea.
* In the ''Literature/StarTrekEnterpriseRelaunch'' novel ''Patterns Of Interference'', the Saurian dictator Maltuvis's megalomania has reached the point where he's quite capable of ''sincerely believing'' this; yes, his Orion associate may have the one who ''said'' the idea, but surely only because he had somehow sensed that Maltuvis was already thinking about it, if not quite consciously yet.

* ''Series/TheAdventuresOfSlimGoodbody'': An EvilDuo of puppet villains named Sal Soda and Sarah Heartburn came up with an evil plan that Sal had to explain to Sarah in deep detail—Sarah kept poo-pooing Sal's idea until he was done explaining it, at which point Sarah thought it was brilliant and took credit for it, to Sal's shock.
* 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.
* ''Series/TheAquabatsSuperShow'', in the cartoon segment of "Uberchaun!":

'''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.

** 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]]''.
** {{Invoked}} in an episode of ''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).

* Also a RunningGag in ''Series/DadsArmy''. Sgt Wilson would [[OnlySaneMan suggest a good idea]], then Captain Mainwaring would say, "Yes, I was waiting for you to say that, Wilson."

*** 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.

** 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, Twelve points out that [[TheNthDoctor technically they're the same person!]]
* 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]].
* ''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/HoratioHornblower'', "The Even Chance": Horatio has his first midshipman command. He's supposed to board a taken French ship from a food convoy and bring her to England. He orders his men to put the Frenchmen in irons and assigns them some work. Matthews, his most experienced sailor and TheReliableOne, suggests they need more hands and that they should make the Frenchies do it. Horatio agrees and says it was of course his intention. Now, of course it was. However, he smiles as he says it which indicates he gives Matthews some credit.
* Subverted in ''Series/TheITCrowd'' when Moss has a good idea but decides it's stupid until Jen repeats it and he congratulates her on having a good idea, while Jen confusedly thanks him.

* 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.
%%* A running gag in the ''Series/{{MASH}}'' episode "Rally Round the Flagg, Boys".
* 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.
* ''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.

** 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.

* 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.

* Pretty much every higher-up in ''Radio/TheMenFromTheMinistry'' will take their employees and subordinates good ideas and claim credit for them, only to blame them if it goes wrong.

* In ''Roleplay/DawnOfANewAgeOldportBlues'', Nadine and the others have to decide what to do with Josephine when she joins them. Benedict suggests bringing her along, and Nadine shuts him down since she thinks she's the only one smart enough to make decisions. Then she decides they're bringing Josephine along.

'''Lee:''' [[LargeHam DAMN ME IF I HAVEN'T THOUGHT OF SOMEONE]]!

* ''VideoGame/Persona4'': A non-malicious example arises 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.

* ''WebAnimation/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.]]

* 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."

* A repeated gag in ''WebVideo/{{Kickassia}}''. By episode 3, this has become a habit, to the point where Phelous can [[ThreeTwoOne 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.

* Clyde Crashcup from ''WesternAnimation/TheAlvinShow'' takes credit for inventions his assistant Leonardo does.
* ''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.

* 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:

'''Lionel:''' Yes, thank you Budgie, I'll decide what he can do. You can... you can, uh, fly around the outside of the field.
* 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?"
* 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.
* ''Franchise/CareBears''

* ''WesternAnimation/DarkwingDuck'': Darkwing does this all the time. He will dismiss his daughter or sidekick's plan. Then he has a great idea that, word for word, repeats the plan he just heard. His daughter Gosalyn will often call him on this. When it's Launchpad's idea, he'll usually get away with it, as Launchpad is too much of a fanboy to realize that it was the exact same plan he just suggested five seconds earlier.

* ''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.

* ''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.

-->'''Cosmo:''' It was my idea\\

'''Cosmo:''' Well it was my idea to take your idea.
%%* ''WesternAnimation/TheFlintstones'': Fred Flintstone has done the old 'I'm glad I thought of it!' gag at least once.
* ''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.
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'': Inverted for a laugh in "Crimes of the Hot". 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.
* 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.

* A Lampshaded variation pops up in ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls''.

* 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:

** Whenever Heloise comes up with an idea for a Misery Inc. product, Lucius begins taking credit for it usually before the pitch is finished. It came back to bite him in the ass a few times like when Heloise made him and Samy the first victims of her new Sardiner (a machine that fuses people together) after having enough by his self-credit, or when she tricked him into building a funfair ("Your best idea ever!").

'''Lucius:''' No, that will never work. ({{beat}}) What if I used his catchphrase to sell my fat drink?!\\
''(Samy makes an annoyed AsideGlance)''

* 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".
* A variation from ''[[Franchise/MyLittlePony My Little Pony: A Charming Birthday]]'':
-->'''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?\\

* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
** The episode "Over A Barrel" could also be a variation, Pinkie Pie's suggestion of sharing and caring is insulted by the warring factions' leaders early on, but after this proves to be the right solution to the problem, Twilight Sparkle paraphrases her idea as the day's Aesop.
** Also happens in "Hearth's Warming Eve", although it was part of a ShowWithinAShow.
--->'''Pinkie:''' In the name of the earth ponies, I think I'm gonna name this new place...uh...[[MundaneMadeAwesome DIRTVILLE!]]\\

'''Pinkie:''' EARTH! Congratulations to ''me'' for thinking of it!
** In the episode "Discordant Harmony", [[RealityWarper Discord]] does this to himself:

* ''Film/SpiderMan2'': Jameson seamlessly believes he has come up with the name Dr. Octopus himself moments after Hoffman suggests it to him.

* A non-malicious example arises in ''VideoGame/Persona4'' 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.
* Inverted, surprisingly enough, in the Sith Inquisitor storyline in ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic''.

[[folder:Web Comics]]

** In "[[Recap/TotalDramaTwinningIsntEverything Twinning Isn't Everything]]", Max shares his impractical idea of placing doom balloons on a stick to poke the opposing team members with with Scarlett. Scarlett feigns being impressed and subtly suggests that Max uses the stick to create a blowpipe to shoot the doom balloons of the other team to pieces, thereby taking them out with their own weapons. Max immediately claims the idea as his own and Scarlett goes along with it.

** In "[[Recap/TotalDramaFullMetalDrama Full Metal Drama]]", Lindsay takes credit for Beth's idea.
** Courtney's attitude to Zoey's plan in "[[Recap/TotalDramaEvilDread Evil Dread]]". Largely since she also thought of the same sort of plan, only after Zoey said so.
** Max takes credit for Scarlett's idea of using spiked projectiles to turn the enemy's doom balloons against them in "[[Recap/TotalDramaTwinningIsntEverything Twinning Isn't Everything]]".

* In ''Fanfic/TheNewAdventuresOfInvaderZim'', Zim has a [[RunningGag habit]] of taking credit for his minions' ideas. Tak also occasionally does with Tenn.

* A DiscussedTrope in ''Series/{{Attila}}''. Flavius Aetius presents the Hun chieftain with one of his men who has been tortured to incite him to attack a rival tribe. Attila accuses Flavius of having inflicted the torture marks himself, but is ignore by his chief. When Attila confronts Flavius over his manipulations afterwards, he doesn't deny his actions but says that Attila went about it the wrong way. He should have acted puzzled as to why the wounds of the tortured man hadn't bled (because they'd been inflicted after death) so Attila's chief could come up with the explanation himself and thus take credit for being clever.