26984 words

ideas

11 definitions • 32 examples
1
a suggestion or plan for doing something:

Examples:

have an idea I've had an idea - why don't we go to the coast?
good idea "Let's go swimming." "That's a good idea!"
idea for If you have any ideas for what I could buy Jack, let me know.
the idea of That's when I first had the idea of starting (= planned to start) my own business.
I like the idea of living in the countryside but I'm not sure I'd like the reality.
bright idea She's full of bright (= good) ideas.
[ + to infinitive ] It was Kate's idea to hire bikes.
it is a good idea to It's a good idea to take some water with you.
it is a bad idea to I think it's often a bad idea to spend money you don't have.
2
an understanding, thought, or picture in your mind:

Examples:

have any idea of Do you have any idea of what he looks like?
give someone an idea of something Can you give me an idea of the cost (= can you tell me approximately how it costs)?
the idea of I don't like the idea of living so far away from my family.
[ + question word ] I haven't the slightest/faintest idea where they've gone.
pretty good idea why I've got a pretty good idea why they left early.
3
to not know something:

Examples:

"Where's Serge?" "I've no idea."
4
a belief or opinion:

Examples:

idea about We have very different ideas about disciplining children.
[ + that ] Dr Leach puts forward the idea that it is impossible to spoil a child.
I'm not married - where did you get that idea (= what made you believe that)?
5
a purpose or reason for doing something:

Examples:

idea of The idea of the game is to get rid of all your cards as soon as you can.
whole idea The whole idea (= only purpose) of advertising is to make people buy things.
idea behind The idea behind the lottery is to raise money for good causes.
6
a suggestion, thought, or plan:

Examples:

"Let’s go swimming." "Good idea!"
She’s full of bright ideas.
7
knowledge or understanding about something:

Examples:

[ C ] Can you give me a rough idea of the cost (= tell me approximately how much it will cost)?
[ U ] You have no idea what I just said, do you?
8
a belief about something:

Examples:

They have some unusual ideas about parenting.
9
a purpose or reason for doing something:

Examples:

The idea behind the law is to raise money for education.
10
a suggestion or plan for doing something:

Examples:

idea about sth The CTO should have ideas about where the company needs to be heading in terms of technology.
come up with/have an idea He came up with the idea of promoting the two products together.
new/fresh/innovative ideas
They had great ideas but lacked the business know-how to turn an idea into a successful product.
11
the purpose of, or reason for, doing something:

Examples:

The whole idea of budgeting is to control costs.

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