ideai‧dea /aɪˈdɪə/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
You should talk to Ken - he’s always full of good ideas. I knew it was a bad idea to leave him on his own. It was my wife’s idea to move house.idea for The idea for the book came from an old war movie.the idea of doing something I had the idea of asking Katie for help. ► Don’t say ‘the idea to do something’. Say the idea of doing something. However, you can say it is a good idea to do something and it was someone’s idea to do something.2knowledge [countable, uncountable] a general understanding of something, based on some knowledge about it: Could you give me an idea of how bad his injuries are? You must have some idea (=have at least a little knowledge) of what happened to the money. Don’t worry if you don’t understand it right now – you’ll get the idea (=begin to understand or be able to do something).have no idea/not have any idea She doesn’t have any idea where they’ve gone.a general/rough idea (=a not very exact idea) Can you give me a rough idea of how much the repairs will cost?not have the faintest/slightest/foggiest idea spoken I don’t have the faintest idea what to get Rachel for her birthday.3aim/intention [countable, uncountable] the aim, intention, or purpose of doing something: The idea is to teach children to save money.idea of/behind The idea behind the outing is to encourage employees to get to know each other. They wanted Mike to go to law school, but he had other ideas (=had different plans).4how you imagine something to be [countable, uncountable] an image in your mind of what something is like or should be likeidea of Chefs differ in their idea of what makes a good dessert. I only have a vague idea of the kind of work I’ll be doing. It helps if you have a clear idea of what you want.not my idea of something Chocolate milk and a piece of cake is not my idea of dinner. The very idea of kissing him made her feel physically sick.5belief/opinion [countable usually plural] someone’s opinion or belief about somethingidea about She had some rather unusual ideas about raising children.where did you get that idea? (=used to say that what someone thinks is completely wrong) No, I’m not seeing Jane. Where did you get that idea?6principle [countable] a principle or belief about how something is or should beidea of The whole idea of democracy was something strange and new to most people.idea that It’s based on the idea that all people are created equal.7have an idea (that) to be fairly sure that something is true, without being completely sure: I’m not sure where my necklace is, but I have a pretty good idea who took it.8get the wrong idea to think that something is true when it is not: Don’t get the wrong idea about Dan and Helen – they’re just friends.9have the right idea to act or think in a way that will probably lead to the correct result: He still makes a few mistakes but I reckon he’s got the right idea.10that’s/there’s an idea spoken used to say that you like what someone has just suggested: ‘Why don’t you invite Paula to come with us?’ ‘There’s an idea.’11that’s the idea spoken a)used to tell someone who is learning to do something that they are doing it the right way, in order to encourage them: Keep your knees bent and lean forward slightly. That’s the idea! b)used to emphasize what the main point of something is, or to say that someone understands that point: ‘You’re thinking of getting a new job?’ ‘Yeah, that’s the idea.’12bright idea a very clever idea, often used in a joking way to mean a very stupid idea or action: Whose bright idea was it to leave the back door wide open?13give somebody ideas/put ideas into somebody’s head to make someone think of doing something that they had not thought of doing before, especially something that they should not do: Nick tells me he wants a motorbike. Have you been putting ideas into his head?14is it somebody’s idea of a joke? used when you are surprised and often rather annoyed by what someone has said or done: ‘She wants you to do it by tomorrow.’ ‘Is that your idea of a joke?’15what’s the big idea? spoken used when you cannot understand why someone has done something16you have no idea (how/what etc) spoken used when you are telling someone that something is extremely good, bad etc: You have no idea how worried I was.17the idea! old-fashioned spoken used to express surprise or disapproval when someone has said something stupid → buck your ideas up at buck upCOLLOCATIONSverbshave an idea· I’ve had an idea. Why don’t we walk into town?get an idea· She got the idea from an article in a magazine.give somebody an idea· What gave you the idea for the book?come up with an idea (=think of an idea)· He’s always coming up with interesting ideas.hit on an idea informal (=suddenly think of an idea)· Then we hit on the idea of renting a cottage.toy with an idea informal (=think about using an idea, but not very seriously)· I’m toying with the idea of going back to college.brainstorm ideas (=get a group of people to all try and think of ideas)· We had a meeting to brainstorm ideas for the new advertising campaign.share/exchange ideas (=tell someone else your ideas, and learn their ideas)· an opportunity for local business people to share ideasan idea comes to somebody (=someone suddenly thinks of an idea)· The idea came to me while I was having a bath.adjectivesa good/bad idea· Keeping the drinks cold in the bath was a good idea.· Knocking down this wall was a really bad idea.a great/brilliant/excellent idea· What a great idea!a bright idea (=a very good idea - often used ironically)· Whose bright idea was it to leave the washing out in the rain?a clever idea· It seemed like a clever idea at the time.interesting· The idea sounded interesting, but I didn’t think it would work.stupid/ridiculous/crazy· The idea sounded crazy to me.· Camping in the middle of winter was a ridiculous idea!· He had the crazy idea of hitchhiking around South America.original/innovative (=no one has thought of it before)· The company is looking for people who can come up with original ideas.a half-baked idea (=an idea that has not been carefully thought out)· It’s yet another of the government’s half-baked ideas.phrasesbe full of ideas (also be bursting with ideas) (=have a lot of ideas)· The children were enthusiastic and full of ideas.fire/bounce ideas off one another (=discuss each other’s ideas and think of good new ones)· Our regular meetings are opportunities to fire ideas off each other.THESAURUSidea something that you think of, especially something that you could do or suggest: · I think that’s an excellent idea.· Let me know if you have any good ideas.thought something that comes into your mind: · The thought had entered my mind that he might be lying.· It was a worrying thought.· She was lost in her thoughts.impression the idea that you have in your mind about what someone or something is like: · What was your impression of him?inspiration a good and original idea, which makes you think of doing or creating something: · Where did you get your inspiration from for the book?· He suddenly had a flash of inspiration.· The design for the house was entirely the inspiration of the architect.brainwave British English, brainstorm American English a sudden new and clever idea, especially one that solves a problem: · I thought I’d have to sell the house, but then I had a brainwave.concept an idea of how something is, or how something should be done: · Concepts of beauty are different in different cultures.· the traditional concept of marriagenotion an idea about life or society, especially one that is a little silly or old-fashioned: · There is no evidence to support the notion that poverty is caused by laziness.
WORD ORIGINidea
Origin:
1300-1400 Latin, Greek, from idein ‘to see’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I have an idea," she said. "Why don't you come with us?"
- Ideas and customs used to be passed on intact down the generations.
- Ideas of how society should function have changed dramatically in the last 200 years.
- an idea for a new TV game show
- Do you agree generally with Marx's ideas?
- Here are some new ideas for quick meals that taste great.
- How old is the idea that there is life after death?
- I never wanted to go to Spain. It was Sue's idea.
- medieval ideas about the origins of the universe
- Nobody seemed very keen on the idea that we should all dress up for the party.
- That's a good idea!
- The idea behind the commercials is that reading is as cool and entertaining as their favorite bands.
- The idea of an underground garage in the park has provoked a lot of anger.
- The idea of the centre was to provide a place where old people could go during the day.
- We're trying to think of a name for the book. Does anyone have any ideas?
- We make toys that are both fun and educational - at least that's the idea.
- Who's idea was it to ask him to the party?
- As a general rule, it is a good idea not to choose the same accountant as your manager.
- He also uses personification rather a lot throughout the novel to give us more of an idea of what he was experiencing.
- Individual students contribute to the knowledge base as authors and are acknowledged when others use their ideas.
- Men and women alike listen to others' ideas and sympathise with their problems.
- The balanced-budget amendment would be a bad idea under any circumstances.
- Where did the new ideas come from?
- Yet, as was suggested earlier in this section, new ideas were being bandied about.
THESAURUS
something that you think of, especially something that you could do or suggest: · I think that’s an excellent idea.· Let me know if you have any good ideas.
something that comes into your mind: · The thought had entered my mind that he might be lying.· It was a worrying thought.· She was lost in her thoughts.
the idea that you have in your mind about what someone or something is like: · What was your impression of him?
a good and original idea, which makes you think of doing or creating something: · Where did you get your inspiration from for the book?· He suddenly had a flash of inspiration.· The design for the house was entirely the inspiration of the architect.
British English, brainstorm American English a sudden new and clever idea, especially one that solves a problem: · I thought I’d have to sell the house, but then I had a brainwave.
an idea of how something is, or how something should be done: · Concepts of beauty are different in different cultures.· the traditional concept of marriage
an idea about life or society, especially one that is a little silly or old-fashioned: · There is no evidence to support the notion that poverty is caused by laziness.
Longman Language Activatorsomething that you think of something that you think of, such as a plan or suggestion: have an idea: · "I have an idea," she said. "Why don't you come with us?"· We're trying to think of a name for the book. Does anyone have any ideas?idea for: · Here are some new ideas for quick meals that taste great.· an idea for a new TV game showit was somebody's idea (=they thought of it): · I never wanted to go to Spain. It was Sue's idea.idea to do something: · Who's idea was it to ask him to the party?the idea of (doing) something: · The idea of an underground garage in the park has provoked a lot of anger.idea that: · Nobody seemed very keen on the idea that we should all dress up for the party.
an idea - use this especially when you have not yet considered it carefully: · That's an interesting thought. Let's discuss it at the meeting.have a thought: · I've just had a thought - it might be quicker to go by bus.thoughts on something: · If you have any thoughts on the matter, let me know.somebody's thoughts about something: · I'd like you to begin by writing down your thoughts about the play.it was (just/only) a thought spoken (=say this when someone seems to disagree with your idea): · "That's not a very good time of year to travel." "Perhaps not. It was just a thought."
a good idea especially spoken · "We could go and see a movie." "Good idea!"· I think a skiing holiday is a brilliant idea.· That's a great idea! Let's call Madge and see if she can come too.
a very good idea that you think of suddenly. This is sometimes also used when you think that someone's idea is not good: · Why not ask Sylvia? She's always full of bright ideas.whose bright idea was it ... (=used when you think something is a bad idea): · Whose bright idea was it to start major road repairs right at the start of the holiday season?
British /brainstorm American informal a sudden, very good idea: · Unless someone comes up with a brainwave soon, I can't see how we can possibly get out of this mess.have a brainwave: · Then Mo had a brainstorm. She would start her own coffee bar for teenagers.
a sudden good idea about what to do or say, that seems to come to you from nowhere: · Of course! If he thinks it was his idea in the first place, he's bound to agree. What an inspiration!inspiration for: · Where exactly did you get the inspiration for the movie?inspiration comes to somebody: · Inspiration came to him as he started to write for the second time.flash of inspiration (=a sudden good idea): · In that instant, he had a flash of inspiration: he and Tom would try and rescue Frankie themselves.
informal a very good and original idea about what to do or how to deal with a problem: · They named the new car 'Thunderbird.' It was a stroke of genius.· At first, the manager's appointment of talented but inexperienced players seemed like a stroke of genius.
an idea or set of ideas that explains something an idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain something, especially in science: · This theory helps to explain how animals communicate with each other.theory that: · It's my theory that the murderer knew his victim quite well.· There's a theory that Kennedy was killed by the CIA.theory about: · There have been a lot of theories about the meaning of dreams.somebody's theory of something: · Darwin's Theory of Evolution· Einstein's theory of relativityeconomic/political etc theory: · Atkin taught political theory at Hunter College.
plural hypotheses formal an idea that is based on very few facts and that you cannot be sure is right: · Various hypotheses are possible regarding the nature and structure of the world.· The results of our experiment confirmed this hypothesis.
a statement or idea that you accept as being true and use as a base for developing other ideas: · American justice works on the premise that an accused person is innocent until they are proved guilty.· I believe his whole argument is based on a false premise.
a way of explaining something about life, society, etc: · Ideas and customs used to be passed on intact down the generations.· Do you agree generally with Marx's ideas?idea about: · medieval ideas about the origins of the universeidea that: · How old is the idea that there is life after death?idea of: · Ideas of how society should function have changed dramatically in the last 200 years.
a way of explaining something about life, society, etc, that people often think is a little stupid or old-fashioned: · Many widely-held notions about crime have come from the cinema, magazines, or novels.notion of: · Modern society does not always correspond to classical notions of democracy.a vague/absurd/fanciful etc notion: · Humans still hold on to the absurd notion that we are the only intelligent beings in the Universe.
someone's idea of how something is done, or how it should be done: · She thinks that marriage is an old-fashioned concept.concept of: · What's your concept of an ideal society?
to think of an idea · I've had an idea. What do you think about going to Greece this summer?· That's the best idea you've had all day.have an idea for · Do you have any ideas for a birthday present for Mum?have the idea of doing something · He had the idea of hiding Ali's shoes.
to think of an idea - use this especially to say what made you think of it or to ask someone what made them think of it: · Where on earth did you get that idea?get the idea for something: · Mark got the idea for the novel when he was in Boston in 1969.get an idea from: · It wasn't my own idea. I got it from a TV movie.get the idea of doing something: · She first got the idea of working with elderly people after the death of her mother.get an idea that : · I don't know how she got the idea that she was too fat.
to have an idea about what to do, how to do something etc: · At first, we couldn't think of a name for the band.· Seth decided to go home. He couldn't think of anything else to do.· Ask Dad. He might be able to think of a solution.
if an idea comes to someone, they have the idea suddenly and without trying hard to think of it: · The idea for the new advertising campaign came to me while I was visiting Thailand.it came to somebody that: · It suddenly came to me that I'd seen her somewhere before.come to somebody in a flash (=very suddenly): · It came to Blake in a flash that the man was really a detective.
informal to have a good idea after thinking about or working on a problem for a long time: · At last we hit on a way of getting Tom and Marcia to meet.· The architects finally hit upon a design that seemed to please everyone.
if someone's plan, work of art, action etc is inspired by something, that is what gave them the idea to do it: · The novel was inspired by her own experiences in India.· Some of Picasso's work was inspired by African art.· The 1911 strike was inspired by the revolutionary ideas flooding out of Europe at that time.
good at thinking of new ideas good at using your imagination to think of new ideas or to produce new things: · Tarantino is one of Hollywood's most creative directors.· We need someone creative and enthusiastic to take this project forward.creative abilities/faculties: · Children should be allowed to develop their creative as well as their academic abilities.
use this about someone who is very good at thinking of new and unusual ways of doing things: · He was one of the most original and imaginative writers of his time.· Marr had a brilliant inventive mind.· the most inventive sculptor since Picasso
informal to have a lot of new ideas and to want to tell people all about them: · Ron was full of ideas and seemed very enthusiastic about the show.· I don't know what's the matter. She's usually so bright and full of clever ideas.
containing interesting or new ideas containing new ideas that are used in interesting and original ways: · The film uses computer graphics in an unusual and highly imaginative way.· an imaginative solution to the city's crime problem· These figures are some of the most inventive of all African tribal sculptures.· Inside the magazine you will find plenty of inventive ideas for redecorating your home.
a clever plan, idea, or way of doing something especially British a clever idea, plan, or way of doing something is good and works well: · It sounds like a clever idea. Do you think it'll work?· Virtual Listening Systems have introduced one of the year's most unusual and clever new products.· I've thought of a really clever way of making money.
an intelligent idea, question etc is thought of or asked by someone who is intelligent: · Have you got any intelligent suggestions to make?· Anne was surprised to hear such an intelligent question coming from a very small child.
an ingenious method, idea, or piece of equipment is cleverly designed to do a job or solve a problem in a very original way: · A scanner is an ingenious device which enables you to feed pictures, photos or documents into a computer system.· American scientists have come up with an ingenious way of getting rid of cockroaches.· The catalogue is full of ingenious ideas for transforming your house into a dream home.· In the end it was Pete who thought of a really ingenious solution to the problem.
an idea etc that is clever, simple, and effective: · One of our designers has come up with a neat idea for storing computer disks.· Taking up a sport is a neat way of meeting new people, and it's good for you too.· It's a complicated problem, and there's no neat solution.
a system or machine such as a computer that is smart is cleverly designed and does something effectively: · The new software system is really smart and it's much quicker to use too.
carefully planned, clever, and intended to deceive people: · They use all kinds of cunning tricks to make people give them money.· His leadership style was to maintain power through a combination of force and cunning strategy.· a cunning marketing ploy
a crafty plan or way of doing something etc is one that is cleverly planned and involves deceiving other people, in a way that people admire: · It was a crafty question. "Why are you trying to catch me out?" he replied.· Jerry and Tony had worked out a crafty way of avoiding paying tax.
an inspired idea, plan etc is extremely clever and impressive and is one that someone suddenly thinks of, without knowing how or why: · "How did you know the answer to that?" "I didn't, it was just an inspired guess."· Even the most inspired forecasts of how prices are going to move can't be right all the time.· The band represents some of the best young talent that's around, resulting in a sound that's both innovative and inspired.
a clever idea about how to do something: · I like it! It sounds like a really bright idea.· I don't know what kind of present she'd like -- if you have any bright ideas let me know.have/come up with the bright idea of doing something (=often used humorously): · George came up with the bright idea of visiting every pub we passed.
to not know anything about a subject · Don't ask me. I know nothing at all about fixing cars.· No one else at school knew anything about jazz.know nothing of formal · When he arrived in Venice he knew almost nothing of its history or culture.
informal to know nothing at all about how to do something: · I'm amazed how he puts all the bits of the computer back together. I wouldn't have a clue.have no idea/not have a clue about: · After nine years of marriage, he still didn't have a clue about what she really wanted.have no idea/not have a clue how/what/where etc: · It became clear that the sales people didn't have any idea how to sell the new products.
British a subject that is a closed book to someone is one that they know nothing about, and that they believe they will never understand: · For many people, science is something of a closed book.
to not know a fact or piece of information · "What time's the next train to Paris?" "I'm sorry, I don't know."· I wish I could tell you the name of the restaurant but I honestly don't know it.not know anything about · These days, record companies are usually owned by people who don't know anything about music.not know how/what/why etc · I don't know why it is so difficult to explain the concept to people.· No one knows if there really is a Loch Ness monster, or if it's just a myth.not know (that) · My mother never knew that they'd called the police out that night.
especially spoken say this when you know nothing at all about the answer to a question, so that you cannot even guess what it might be: · "How much is this painting worth?" "I'm sorry, I've no idea."· When I asked where Louise had gone, he said he didn't have a clue.have no idea/not have a clue what/how/who etc: · That guy obviously doesn't have a clue how to put a Web page together.· I fell asleep half way through the film, and I have absolutely no idea how it ended.
also not have the least idea British spoken say this when you want to say very strongly that you know nothing at all: · "Do you know where he was going after he left here?" "I don't have the slightest idea."not have the faintest/slightest/foggiest idea what/how/where etc: · I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about -- can you explain please?· Nobody at that time had the slightest idea about how caffeine affected the body.not have the faintest/slightest/foggiest idea about: · They didn't have the least idea about how to put up a tent.
spoken say this when you do not know and cannot understand why something happens: · "What I can't understand is why they make you wait three months just to give you a stamp on your passport." "Beats me too."(it) beats me how/why etc: · It beats me how these kids can afford to spend so much money on clothes and CDs.
spoken informal say this when it is impossible for you to know the answer to a question, especially when you are annoyed or surprised that someone has asked you: · "Why is Sharon in such a bad mood?" "How should I know - she never tells me anything."· "We figured we could pay about $200 a week, right?" "Don't ask me! I wasn't in on the conversation."
spoken say this when you think it is impossible for anyone to know the answer to a question: · The world might end tomorrow. Who knows?
spoken say this when you do not know the answer to a difficult question or a joke, and you want someone to tell you: · "Guess who's coming to dinner tonight?" "I give up. Tell me."· "Why did the chicken cross the road?" "I give up, why did the chicken cross the road?"
what you think about something · Please phone in with your comments and opinions.· Opinions vary widely on this matter.opinion of · The rating a film gets reflects the opinions of our reviewers.my/your/her etc opinion · Do you really want my opinion?· He acknowledged that he had no evidence to support his opinion.opinion on/about · They have very different opinions about religion.· Many board members said they had no opinion on Goldman's proposal.in my/our etc opinion · In my opinion, most lawyers are overpaid.· This is, in the opinion of the critics, their best record for years.have a high/low opinion of something/somebody (=think somethingor someone is good or bad) · Politicians generally have a low opinion of the press.give/express an opinion · About 100 people showed up to express their opinions about the project.ask somebody's opinion · In 10 years of teaching, I have never been asked my opinion on any matter of policy.somebody is entitled to their opinion (=say this when you disagree with someone else's opinion) · He's entitled to his opinion, of course, but it does not give him the right to be offensive.be of the opinion that (=have a particular opinion) formal · The coroner was of the opinion that the man had been dead for only 24 hours.
especially spoken your opinion about something, especially whether you think it is good or bad: · What do you think of her new CD?· Tell me what you think about the design.· No one ever really stops and asks kids what they think about things.· Well, I know what I think, but you might not agree.
your opinion about something, especially about a serious or important subject: · It is natural for children to have different views from their parents.view that: · I don't agree with the view that longer prison sentences stop people from committing crime.in my/his/John's etc view: · In Freud's view, people's dreams often reveal their unconscious fears.view about/on: · Malthus will always be known mainly for his views on population.· The survey reflected a very conservative view about what the ideal family structure should be.express a view: · Stein was expressing the view of many fellow war veterans.take a view that: · Most nineteenth century scientists took the view that the universe had no purpose or meaning.
what you think and feel about something or someone, especially when this is shown in the way you behave towards them: · I don't understand your attitude. Why don't you like her?· The book explains some of the attitudes and values of the Victorians.attitude to/towards: · Since the 1960s, there has been a big change in people's attitudes to sex before marriage.take the attitude that: · Officials took the attitude that the problem was not their responsibility.
your opinion about something, especially about what should be done about it, after you have thought about it carefully: thoughts about/on: · Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about how we should spend the money?· I was anxious to hear his thoughts on the scenes I had written.have thoughts: · Please get back to me with any thoughts you might have on this.
what you think about something, especially when you have very strong or angry feelings about it: · He makes decisions without ever taking my feelings into account.feelings about: · Kids' feelings about everything from reading to exercise are influenced by their parents.strong feelings: · She has very strong feelings about this election.
what you think about something, especially about the best way to deal with something: · I'm not sure his ideas will be very popular with the voters.ideas about/on: · His ideas about marriage and divorce were very old-fashioned.· I'd like your ideas on how we can improve our working relationship.
especially written an opinion, especially one that is based on emotion: · The speeches were full of nationalist sentiments.· Most people were outraged by the bombing, and their letters of sympathy reflected this sentiment.public/popular sentiment (=what most people think): · Several meetings were held to determine what public sentiment was on the issue.
what you want to achieve when you do something the reason you do or plan something, and the thing you want to achieve when you do it: · The games have an educational purpose.purpose of: · The purpose of the experiment is to find better ways of treating battlefield wounds.the main purpose (=the most important purpose): · The main purpose of the meeting is to discuss who will be in the team.somebody's purpose in doing something: · My purpose in writing this book was to draw attention to the problem of global warming.for the purpose of (doing) something: · There is no penalty if the quarterback deliberately throws the ball out of bounds for the purpose of stopping play.for this/that purpose: · Read up on starting a small business. Loans can be obtained for this purpose.
something you hope to achieve: · Increasing student awareness of the issue is one of our aims.political/business/economic etc aim: · Membership of NATO is one of the country's long-term political aims.the aim is to do something: · The organization's aims are to provide food for homeless people and help them find somewhere to live.· The aim was to enroll all children in schools close to their homes.aim of: · The aim of the bombers was to destroy public property and get maximum publicity.
the purpose of something that you are doing or planning - use this especially when someone does not understand what the purpose is: point of: · The point of the experiment is to show how this chemical reacts with water.the whole point (=exactly the purpose of doing something): · The whole point of this TV show is to get you to buy Simmons' exercise videos.see the point of something (=understand why someone does something): · I can't see the point of travelling all that way and then only staying for one day.miss the/somebody's point (=not understand why someone does something): · You're missing my point completely - I'm not talking about restructuring the departmentwhat's the point? (=use this when you think there is no good reason for something): · Too many of these kids think, "What's the point of going to college?"
the effect or result that you hope to achieve by doing something - use this especially when you are doubtful whether that effect or result can be achieved: · We make toys that are both fun and educational - at least that's the idea.the idea is to do something: · The idea of the centre was to provide a place where old people could go during the day.the idea behind something: · The idea behind the commercials is that reading is as cool and entertaining as their favorite bands.
formal the thing that someone is trying to achieve, especially in business or politics: · The report focused on three of the business's objectives.business/military/political objective: · State your business objectives clearly.the objective is to do something: · The objective of this computer game is to design a city.achieve an objective: · The President believes that all military objectives have been achieved.main/primary objective: · The company's main objective is to keep recyclable material out of landfills.
the intended result of a plan, action, or activity, especially when this may be difficult to achieve: the object is to do something: · In this game the object is to score as many points as you can in the time given.object of: · The object of the search was to find a small plane that has been missing for two days.the object of the exercise (=the object of whatever you are doing): · The object of the exercise is to keep kids in school, rather than let them leave without graduating.
what a person, organization, or country hopes to achieve in the future, even though this might take quite a long time: · School children have definite goals towards which they can work.the goal is to do something: · Her goal is to find a company willing to donate money for research.goal of: · The goal of the partnership is to improve his company's profit margin.reach/meet a goal: · The Red Cross has reached its goal of raising $1.6 million for relief.
the exact result that a person or organization intends to achieve by doing something, often the amount of money they want to get: · The target for the appeal is £20,000, all of which will go to children's charities.· Our target is the release of all political prisoners.meet/reach/achieve a target: · The government is struggling to reach its original target of $23 billion in spending cuts.
the result that a person or group is trying to achieve, especially when this is bad or dishonest: political/personal etc ends: · Racial tensions in Fiji were exaggerated for political ends by leaders of the opposition.the end does not justify the means (=the way that someone tries to achieve something is wrong, even if what they want to achieve is good): · The demonstrators' ends do not justify their means.
decisions/plans/ideas/actions a sensible decision, idea, plan etc is likely to have good results because it is based on good, practical reasons: · He gave me some very sensible advice.· If anyone has any sensible suggestions as to how to deal with this, please let me know.it is sensible to do something: · It would have been more sensible to save the money than to spend it all on clothes.the sensible thing to do (=used to give advice): · The sensible thing to do would be to rest until you feel better.
especially spoken if something makes sense , it seems a very sensible thing to do: · There are parts of the plan that simply don't make sense.it makes sense (for somebody) to do something: · It made sense for Sam to live nearer the college.· It may not make sense to rebuild the houses damaged by the floods.
especially spoken to seem to be the right and sensible thing to do: · Yes, I think a short meeting this afternoon would be a good idea.· "Should I phone him?" "I don't think that's a good idea."it's a good idea to do something: · It's a good idea to tell a friend if you are going on a date with someone you don't know well.
a reasonable idea, request, action etc seems sensible and fair, and you can understand the reasons for it: · I thought her request for more information was reasonable, but it was refused.· I'll go along with any reasonable plan.it is reasonable to assume/believe/suppose: · It's reasonable to assume that most prices will go up again.
based on facts and intelligent thinking, and not influenced by feelings or the imagination: · Education helps us to make rational decisions.· People's behaviour isn't always purely rational.
based on a good understanding of what is or is not possible: · The city authorities are trying to work out a practical solution to the problem of homelessness.· Starting my own business isn't a very realistic idea at the moment.· If you want to sell your home, be realistic about the price.
based on facts and what is likely to really succeed, but not always considering other things such as people's feelings, or attempting anything more exciting or risky: · Pragmatic considerations led the government to abandon pure Marxist policies.· We need a pragmatic approach to sex education in schools.
a logical action or decision seems to be clearly the right thing to do, because it is based on thinking intelligently about all the facts of a situation, and not based on feelings or emotions: · As I wanted to travel to other countries, studying languages was the logical choice.· This is the logical place to build a new airport.· It seemed logical to start by visiting the scene of the crime.
a wise decision or action is based on good judgement and on your experience of life: · "I've decided to apply for that job." "I think that's a very wise decision."· a wise investmentit is wise (for somebody) to do something: · He thought it might be wise not to tell her what had happened.· Do you think it's wise for him to travel alone?
according to what is generally accepted as being sensible and reasonable and no more: · Children should, within reason, be able to experiment with many different activities.· Within reason, the city does what it can to prevent traffic accidents.
when you should so something because it is sensible or healthy if you should do something, it is the best thing to do because it is good for you or it will help you -- use this especially in suggestions or to give advice: · 'Do you think I should talk to a doctor about the pain in my back?' 'Yes, you should.'should do something: · Everyone keeps telling me I should give up smoking.· Should I wear the red dress or the black one?should not/shouldn't do something: · They shouldn't worry so much. Everything will be all right.should have done something (=it was the best thing to do, but someone did not do it): · I should have started saving for my retirement when I was younger.shouldn't have done something (=it was not a sensible thing to do but someone did it): · We shouldn't have bought such a big car.
use this to say that you think someone should do something because it is good for them or will help them: · The doctor told Dan he ought to exercise more.· You ought to ask Eric. I'm sure he'd be happy to help.
especially spoken use this to say that you think someone should do something because it is sensible or it will help them avoid problems: · You'd better be careful with that knife.· It was starting to snow and we thought we had better go home.
spoken say this to emphasize that you think an idea or suggestion will help someone or prevent problems: · "I'll check the oil before we set off." "Yes, that's a good idea."it's/that's a good idea to do something: · It's a good idea to photocopy your passport in case it gets stolen.
especially spoken use this to say that someone should spend the time, money, or effort needed to do something, because they will gain something useful from it: it's worth doing: · It's worth comparing a range of models before deciding which one to buy.it's worth the time/effort etc: · It's worth all the hard work and preparation to make the show a real success.it's worth it: · Get the car thoroughly checked by a professional. It may cost a bit of money but it's worth it, believe me.it's well worth it/doing something etc: · The movie was a little difficult to follow at first but it's well worth seeing.
formal if something is advisable , someone should do it or use it in order to avoid problems and succeed in what they are trying to do: · Use of the drug is not considered advisable when driving or using machinery.it is advisable to do something: · It is advisable to take some warm clothing with you, as the weather can change quite suddenly.
what you say when you think something is true, but you are not sure spoken · She'll be here about 9, I think.I think (that) · I think the dog must have eaten it.I think so · "Is Matthew still here?" "I think so -- I've just seen him."I would think so · "Will Jenny be at the meeting?" "I would think so."
spoken say this when you think that something is probably true but you are not really sure: · Having a burglar alarm makes you feel safer, I suppose.I suppose (that): · I suppose we can pay by credit card but we'd better check first.I suppose so (=say this to answer a question): · "Will the children be disappointed?" "Yes, I suppose so."
especially American, spoken say this when you think that something is probably true but you are not really sure: · Rob just got tired of living with her, I guess.I guess (that): · I guess this is the best way to do it.I guess so: · "Is the truck safe to drive now?" "I guess so."
to start to think something is a fact because of various things that happen, because of the way someone is behaving etc: get the impression/feeling/idea (that): · I got the impression she was actually quite nervous about it.· Walking down the main street, you get the feeling that nothing ever happens in this town.· I don't want you to get the idea that I don't like him.get this/that idea: · "He thinks you're angry with them." "Where on earth did he get that idea?"
spoken say this when you think that something is true, although you realize that you may not know all the facts: · As far as I know, Caroline's never been married.· Alaska doesn't have any drilling sites off the coast, as far as I know.
spoken say this when you think that something is likely to be true, although what you say is only based on your opinion: I imagine (that): · I imagine she's stuck in a traffic jam or something.I would imagine (that): · I would imagine that Libby could help you - she knows a lot about legal things.
spoken say this when you want to make it clear that there may be things you do not know about a situation: · As far as I am aware, Mr Cusner and his family are still living in Cleveland, Ohio.
formal spoken say this when you want to make it clear that you are not completely sure about the statement you are making: · To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that anyone has translated these poems into English.
spoken say this when you think that something is true and you are asking someone else to tell you that you are right: I take it (that): · I take it that you're Rob's sister?· So can we take it that you'll be at the meeting?· You've made plans for the future, I take it?
when a thought comes into your mind to have an idea or thought in your mind, especially one that appears suddenly: · What are you thinking right now?think of: · I've just thought of a really good idea.· Has she thought of any names for the baby?· "Did you ask Rita?" "No, I didn't think of that."think of doing something: · There was water spraying everywhere, but nobody even thought of turning it off.think (that): · I think I'll go and see what's happening out there.
to think of an idea: · I have an idea. Why don't I drive the kids to school and then you can stay here.· Let me know if you have any good ideas.· Theresa had another idea. We would hitchhike to her hometown, and live in her brother's garagehave an idea for: · Collings had an idea for a device that would block out TV programs that parents didn't want their children to watch.
spoken to think something: · I've just had an awful thought. What if all the banks are closed?· I had an interesting thought today when I was talking to Anita. Do you realize that she's never asked us to her house in all the time we've known her?
if a new thought occurs to you, you suddenly think it: it occurs to somebody that: · It suddenly occurred to Miranda that perhaps no one would believe her story.· Didn't it occur to you that I might be worried?something occurs to somebody: · The possibility that he might be wrong never occurs to him.it occurs to somebody to do something: · As I thought about Mel and David and how similar they were, it occurred to me to introduce them to each other.
if a thought crosses someone's mind they think about it for a short time: · "Why didn't you call me?" "The thought did cross my mind while I was shopping this afternoon, but then I forgot all about it.it crossed somebody's mind that: · It crossed my mind that I was the only female coach on the committee, but that made me more determined than ever.it crossed somebody's mind to do something: · Several times it had crossed his mind to check on the car, but he never actually did it.it never crossed somebody's mind: · "It never crossed my mind to give up," he said. "It became an obsession."
if a thought enters someone's mind , they begin to think about it: it entered somebody's mind that: · At that moment it entered my mind that maybe someone was trying to kill him.it entered somebody's mind to do something: · Did it ever enter your mind to take out the garbage?it never entered somebody's mind: · It never entered my mind that Philip might be jealous.
if a thought or idea strikes you, you suddenly think it, especially because of something you have just seen or heard: it strikes somebody that: · I looked around the glittering room and it struck me that I was probably the poorest person there.strike somebody as strike adjective: · My mother was always asking questions, and it struck me as odd that she didn't ask one on this occasion.
if something comes or springs to mind , you suddenly think it, especially in relation to a particular subject that you are considering: · As I read the letter again, a number of thoughts came to mind.· Henry asked the first question that came to mind.· I love the circus life, but when people asked me what I wanted to be when I was older, "circus performer" was not what sprang to mind.
to think about something you might do in the future · Have you ever thought about a cruise to the Bahamas?think about/of doing something · I'm thinking of specializing in Russian and Chinese.· We thought about going away for a week or two, but neither of us have time.
to think seriously about something important you intend to do in the future - use this especially in written and formal contexts: · Isn't 17 a little young to be contemplating marriage?contemplate doing something: · Many years ago he had contemplated writing a book about his childhood.· The government was contemplating fining anyone who was found within the island's danger zone.
to think about something that you might possibly do in the future, but without definitely deciding whether you will do it or not: · We began to consider the possibility of moving to Japan permanently.· For any skin problem, it's worth considering a change of diet.consider doing something: · I considered driving out to Atlantic City to meet her.· Have you considered getting a new car?
to think about doing something in the future, but not very seriously because you probably will not do it: · Lately I've been toying with the idea of a trip to South America.toy with the idea of doing something: · He began toying with the idea of writing a book about his years in the FBI. · As late as the age of forty, I toyed with the idea of going back to college.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs Because of the fog they abandoned their idea of driving. the ability to translate abstract ideas into words Recent research adds weight to the theory that the climate is changing. Employees get together and brainstorm ideas some of which get developed and some don't. He is constantly coming up with bright ideas for making money. I think that’s a brilliant idea. Viewpoints such as these are strongly challenged by environmentalists. willingness to re-examine cherished beliefs He clung to the hope that she would be cured. It’s an absolutely crazy idea. The prime minister is unlikely to endorse this view. Darwin formulated the theory of natural selection. We need some fresh ideas. I have a general idea of what I want to express. She’s full of good ideas. The police have a pretty good idea who did it. grandiose schemes of urban renewal Then we hit on the idea of asking viewers to donate money over the Net. Margaret found his excuse somewhat implausible. My flatmates want to have a party, but I’m not keen on the idea. I didn’t like the idea of being a single parent. I thought it would be a nice idea to send them some flowers. What a novel idea! I don’t think George is capable of having original ideas! After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China. The group launched a website to propagate its ideas. an attempt to refute Darwin’s theories I don’t relish the thought of you walking home alone. romantic notions about becoming a famous actress Like many New Yorkers, he had a romantic image of country life. People had very set ideas about how to bring up children. Karen was definitely getting ideas above her station (=higher than her social rank). Whose stupid idea was this? I’ve been toying with the idea of going to Japan to visit them. Jenny wanted to invite all her friends, but I quickly vetoed that idea. I still wince at the thought of that terrible evening.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· I’ve had an idea. Why don’t we walk into town?
· She got the idea from an article in a magazine.
· What gave you the idea for the book?
(=think of an idea)· He’s always coming up with interesting ideas.
informal (=suddenly think of an idea)· Then we hit on the idea of renting a cottage.
informal (=think about using an idea, but not very seriously)· I’m toying with the idea of going back to college.
(=get a group of people to all try and think of ideas)· We had a meeting to brainstorm ideas for the new advertising campaign.
(=tell someone else your ideas, and learn their ideas)· an opportunity for local business people to share ideas
(=someone suddenly thinks of an idea)· The idea came to me while I was having a bath.
adjectives· Keeping the drinks cold in the bath was a good idea.· Knocking down this wall was a really bad idea.
· What a great idea!
(=a very good idea - often used ironically)· Whose bright idea was it to leave the washing out in the rain?
· It seemed like a clever idea at the time.
· The idea sounded interesting, but I didn’t think it would work.
· The idea sounded crazy to me.· Camping in the middle of winter was a ridiculous idea!· He had the crazy idea of hitchhiking around South America.
(=no one has thought of it before)· The company is looking for people who can come up with original ideas.
(=an idea that has not been carefully thought out)· It’s yet another of the government’s half-baked ideas.
phrases (also be bursting with ideas) (=have a lot of ideas)· The children were enthusiastic and full of ideas.
(=discuss each other’s ideas and think of good new ones)· Our regular meetings are opportunities to fire ideas off each other.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Because of the fog they abandoned their idea of driving. the ability to translate abstract ideas into words Recent research adds weight to the theory that the climate is changing.· The basic idea is that science discovers the truth of how the world works.
Employees get together and brainstorm ideas some of which get developed and some don't. He is constantly coming up with bright ideas for making money. I think that’s a brilliant idea.· This was a central idea in Marxist theory.
Viewpoints such as these are strongly challenged by environmentalists. willingness to re-examine cherished beliefs (=a good understanding)· Some work experience should give you a clear idea of what the job involves.
He clung to the hope that she would be cured.· There are conflicting opinions on what causes the disease.
· Art can be used to convey an idea.
It’s an absolutely crazy idea.· It’s a good idea to discuss your plans with your parents.
· Both actors dismissed any idea of a romantic relationship between them.
· We hope that we will be able to draw on these ideas to develop the work further.
· The project was going to be too expensive so the idea was dropped.
The prime minister is unlikely to endorse this view.· Everyone who attends the meeting will be given the opportunity to express their opinions.
Darwin formulated the theory of natural selection. We need some fresh ideas. (=be what someone enjoys doing – used especially when this seems strange to you)· Camping in this rainy weather is not my idea of fun.
I have a general idea of what I want to express.· Here is another gift idea with children in mind.
She’s full of good ideas. The police have a pretty good idea who did it. grandiose schemes of urban renewal Then we hit on the idea of asking viewers to donate money over the Net. Margaret found his excuse somewhat implausible. My flatmates want to have a party, but I’m not keen on the idea. I didn’t like the idea of being a single parent. I thought it would be a nice idea to send them some flowers. What a novel idea! I don’t think George is capable of having original ideas! After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China. The group launched a website to propagate its ideas.· In 1829 he put forward the idea that the Earth is contracting.
an attempt to refute Darwin’s theories I don’t relish the thought of you walking home alone. romantic notions about becoming a famous actress Like many New Yorkers, he had a romantic image of country life. People had very set ideas about how to bring up children. Karen was definitely getting ideas above her station (=higher than her social rank).· She has strong views on education.
Whose stupid idea was this? I’ve been toying with the idea of going to Japan to visit them.· The students only had a vague idea of what they were supposed to do.
(=just an idea or suggestion)· The very idea of acting on stage scares the pants off me.
Jenny wanted to invite all her friends, but I quickly vetoed that idea. I still wince at the thought of that terrible evening.· Here, he will say, is another fashionable and bad idea.· The data suggests that it is a bad idea if you are heavy cigarette smokers.· She had no doubt it would be a very bad idea for them to go in search of Oliver and Cobalt.· Requiring a central bank to support a flagging currency will remain a bad idea after the union is formed, Tietmeyer said.· Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to be slightly more circumspect about looking for her.· A quick history lesson by their coaches may not be a bad idea.· I saw my first queenie, chomping through a loch, and discovered that laughing underwater is a bad idea.· Maybe the smoke was a bad idea.
· The basic idea is that the quicker it produces its report the better.· The basic idea was that using the seat belt takes time, to which the driver attaches a value.· Its two basic ideas sound obvious, and neither is new.· The sine function, hyperbolic tangent, and other non-linear variations on these basic ideas have also been used.· The basic idea, in short, is that the problem of individuation should be approached from the horizon of ordinary everyday experience.· The basic idea is to make public safety a community responsibility, rather than simply the responsibility of the professionals-the police.· The basic ideas dominating the educational philosophy of Highlander are two-fold.· The basic idea is quite simple: linguistic communication is a kind of problem solving.
· A Newcastle school aims to open a shop to sell pupils' bright ideas.· That bright idea, understandably, provoked howls of protest and is so obviously wrong that Rep.· Moira was full of bright ideas about the mixing, and some synth effects she wanted me to lay down.· In May 1988, Tudorbury dealers had the bright idea of fixing a football game with Harvard Securities.· Angela soon had quite a bright idea.· Your bright idea could even earn you some extra cash.· But there's still plenty of venture capital out there looking for bright new ideas.· Some one must have thought it was a bright idea, though.
· These early months gave him a brutally clear idea of what lay ahead.· However, investment without a clear idea of the electronic commerce architecture being built would be akin to driving with blinders on.· She had no clear idea of what a mortgage was.· What is important is the fact that it expresses a clear idea of what is being tested or studied.· Is it possible to explain the asymmetry by way of a clear idea of power or capacity, ability, or disposition?· Gates had always had a clear idea of what he wanted to be: the prime software supplier to the world.· It is also necessary to set out a clear idea of what role the public and private sectors can play.· But he had a very clear idea of the manner in which his Council should be conducted.
· Had Mrs Leigh the faintest idea what an imposition it was?· I haven't the faintest idea of how to spell auf-wie-der-sein, but that's the word.· But I haven't the faintest idea what to do.· That was bad enough but what made it worse was that I hadn't the faintest idea what was wrong with them.· She hadn't the faintest idea what this thing was.· He looked embarrassed and said he didn't have the faintest idea.· Besides, how could she crew efficiently when she didn't have the faintest idea of what she was supposed to do?· The return to my house is strained by the thought that he still has not the faintest idea where he is going.
· Jack has got some great general idea.· This image then supports the general idea of the duality found throughout all of nature.· Similarly, although anything that exists is particular and individual, we can have general ideas.· But I got the general idea.· Chambers hoped to reconcile those readers with religious qualms to the general idea of transmutation.· A general misery of ideas and means.· It was a way of thought based on the general Hellenic idea that salvation is obtained by knowledge.· The general idea is that the string is embedded in the program or operating system.
· But I thought that to have a saint's care was a good idea, even to my Protestant mind.· The introduction and failure of this project provide a good idea of why a separate black economic agenda has always been stifled.· It's a good idea if you can organise a space for each cat to call its own.· Unless one is an experienced aquarist it is not a good idea to try to keep any but the more hardy species.· It is a good idea to take off the grating occasionally and clean out any debris.· You will also get a good idea as to how long training will take.· The old tiger himself pronounced it a good idea, even if his friends had to listen in a state of uncharacteristic sobriety.· In fact, it seemed like a good idea.
· Friction between the generations is exacerbated when younger staff grasp the new idea and their creativity is suddenly released.· They were satisfied to learn, to come up with new ideas, and to nudge the field forward.· He encourages initiative, new ideas.· To proclaim the need for new ideas has served, in some measure, as a substitute for them.· The designers experimented with new ideas in spatial forms and lighting.· Mr Hashimoto has been anything but inspiring when it comes to new ideas.· Surely this is too early to embark on new ideas - obscuring what we have so painstakingly created.· They know that risk-taking is inherent in trying new ways and new ideas, but that this is what makes progress possible.
· In March 1973 the Trustees returned to the original idea of building a church hall attached to the Memorial hall.· This is especially true of original and futuristic ideas.· The balance of evidence seems to be swinging away from the original idea of swamp-dwelling giant dinosaurs to fully terrestrial habits.· What better way to reward yourself for your original gardening idea.· The original idea was that the library would be symmetrical with the entrance and stairs in the centre.· They were all aspiring entrepreneurs, but so few of them had an original idea.· My original idea of telling them together was a bad one.· They are far from perfect: a gulf appears naturally between their original ideas and their new found pedestal.
· Indeed, for many the very idea of attaining a political focus has been discarded in favour of a celebration of fragmentation.· The very idea of taking drugs disgusted me.· He rejects, it is true, the very idea of consistency in principle as important for its own sake.· Dorothy would leave and abandon her at the very idea.· But I would never want to upset anyone unless there was some very positive idea which we must try.· The very idea of coming up with something so novel that no one has thought of it is daunting.· The campaign in the popular press mobilised a backlash against the very idea of the welfare state itself.· Ockleton, true to his academic training, had been disposed to dismiss the very idea of such a connection.
· In particular the whole idea of a Prime Minister was looked on with the gravest suspicion.· But it makes the whole idea of the endowment more real to attach a name to the donor.· But after a few months, I felt completely bored with the whole idea.· The more grandiose their mad ark visions got, the more interested in the whole idea they all became.· Slowly we began to take the whole idea of the band more seriously.· Besides, one young professor observed indignantly at a faculty meeting, the whole idea was degrading.· Maybe she should postpone the whole crazy idea - or better still, drop it altogether.· I had been resisting the whole idea of focus groups-when you went out and talked to pickle eaters.
VERB· This process abandons the old idea that it is necessary to start with a two-carbon feedstock to make the two-carbon acetic acid.· After discreet soundings, they prudently abandoned the idea, which would have involved a major encroachment upon judicial independence.· With a sense of relief I abandoned my idea of escape.· Why have you abandoned the idea?· The shadow cabinet decided in April 1912 that it would abandon the referendum idea and return to the full tariff policy.· Nevertheless, the appearance of Forbes' paper led Darwin to abandon any idea of a separate publication on the topic.
· Imagine writing the books in which he develops these ideas.· But we can not assume that humans would naturally or inevitably develop such distorted ideas.· Put briefly, there developed an idea of the pervasive religious and moral responsibility of the ruler.· Katz and Kahn have developed ideas on how leadership can contribute to the functioning of a system.· Bird flew high above the simple pop songs upon which they were based, developing new ideas and melodies on the spot.· Why doesn't Ferry ask instead why some Western companies didn't buy these companies or develop those ideas?· Lesser men, together with the conscientious and immeasurably learned John Stuart Mill, refined, developed and organized the ideas.
· Have you got any idea of the number of things I have to keep track of every day?· They definitely should phone a number of people to get ideas from different caterers.· Perhaps now she might get an idea of what went wrong.· Then we got bigger ideas and bought our truck.· Male speaker I got the idea when I was younger and lying in bed.· Some one gets a good idea, and no one wants to be left out of it.· And older women the world over got ideas.
· To give definiteness to our ideas let us take an illustration from the woollen trade.· That gives you an idea of how hard it can rain.· The one Masklin had found in the Store, the one that had given him the idea for driving the Truck.· The following questions should give you some idea. 1.· He says you give me ideas.· To give you an idea of what to look out for, take a look at the photograph opposite.· Can they give you an idea of the questions which will be asked?· Jubilant, most gave up the idea of protesting in the freezing temperatures again, but approximately 1,000 persisted with their plan.
· But she didn't like the idea that we knew she was hiding something, did she?· I like that idea, that you remember only the things that you like.· She wanted to paint, my father didn't like the idea.· They liked books and ideas, and they liked to talk about them in ways that fostered growth rather than established dominance.· If I didn't like the idea, he dropped it.· Henry liked the idea of being a single-parent family.· Kelleher liked the idea and became a minor investor.
· The Committee stands by the decision in Morgan and rejects the idea that belief in consent should be required to be reasonable.· But I reject the idea that it should never be changed.· We have just seen how Kierkegaard rejected any idea that faith could be proved by the appeal to historical argument.· But almost in the same instant she rejected that idea.· Brady, however, rejected the idea.· I know that the House will reject that idea.· The next day the rebels rejected the idea of peace talks, insisting that he should leave the country.· More generally, Weber rejected the idea that sociologists could generalise about social structures by using the analysis of modes of production.
· Conservation swap Global pollution could be more effectively tackled if countries would share their conservation ideas.· Have each group share its ideas.· It will celebrate the successes of science teaching in schools and colleges and will share the latest ideas.· At the seminar I met a number of interesting people and explored ways we could interact by sharing ideas.· I wish I thought that his colleagues were beginning to share that idea - perhaps we have an alliance here.· In those sessions employees have shared ideas that have become company traditions.· As I notice various strategies I frequently draw the class together and encourage them to share ideas.· Ask the students to share their ideas for pictures.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► that’s/there’s an idea► give somebody ideas/put ideas into somebody’s head► is it somebody’s idea of a joke?► what’s the big idea?► you have no idea (how/what etc)► the idea!PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a bright idea► not have the first idea about something► have fixed ideas/opinions► give (somebody) an impression/a sense/an idea► (that’s a) good idea/point/question► get hold of an idea/an impression/a story etc► punch holes in somebody’s argument/idea/plans etc► not have the remotest idea/interest/intention etc
1plan/suggestion [countable] a plan or suggestion for a possible course of action, especially one that you think of suddenly: - Don't get the wrong idea - the Dixons aren't as arrogant as they sound.
- A lot of people get the wrong idea.
- People have got the wrong idea about this one.
- People often got the wrong idea about Nanny Ogg, and she took care to see that they did.
- The new superintendent has the right idea about attacking illiteracy, but the wrong method.
- Mrs Donaldson, in last month's letters page, certainly seems to have the right idea.
- The young lads have the right idea.
- "You're going to meet them there?" "Yeah, that's the idea."
- Now push the button on the left to set the time. That's the idea!
- And that's the idea behind Cotswold Garden tours, which organises holiday breaks in the region.
- Grown-up amusements, that's the idea.
- George came up with the bright idea of visiting every pub we passed.
- I don't know what kind of present she'd like -- if you have any bright ideas let me know.
- I like it! It sounds like a really bright idea.
- Whose bright idea was it to give the cat a bath?
- Whose bright idea was it to start major road repairs right at the start of the holiday season?
- Why not ask Sylvia? She's always full of bright ideas.
- A Newcastle school aims to open a shop to sell pupils' bright ideas.
- Angela soon had quite a bright idea.
- Del Plonka recalls that some one once got the bright idea of pumping water from the Saigon River into nearby tunnels.
- If even one-tenth of those bright ideas published could be brought to fruition, the world would be transformed.
- In May 1988, Tudorbury dealers had the bright idea of fixing a football game with Harvard Securities.
- In this faded house among the ferns, a bright idea was inevitably taking form.
- Their bright ideas and bad judgments are the standards by which the record industry still rates its progress and practices.
- Your bright idea could even earn you some extra cash.
- But whenever I have an idea, I need to act on it as soon as possible.
- I have an idea of her.
- Now that we have an idea how hyperinflation gets started we can look at the causes of run-of-the-mill inflation.
- Some have ideas for lyrical language.
- This is because I have ideas.
- We can have ideas of things we have not experienced.
- We need to have an idea of what perceptions we are triggering. 141 selling Selling is one stage further than communication.
- We write the first two chapters together so we have an idea of the characters.
- Hey, what's the big idea? Who said you could borrow my car?
- Waller has big plans for her retirement.
- I have big plans for Selina.
- They have big plans for their life together.
- He bounced ideas off colleagues everywhere he went, and they were greeted with enthusiasm.
- Is there some one I can bounce ideas off?
- They can bounce ideas off one another and provide a mutual critique or one another's work.
- We could bounce ideas off each other and share problems.
- You can bounce ideas off them and benefit from their expertise, as they have often been self-employed themselves.
- Meanwhile, both Severiano Ballesteros and Jose-Maria Olazabal had bucked their ideas up.
- He had entertained thoughts of marrying her and raising a family, but he entered the Society instead.
- Most significantly on my sense of a distant but still valid national identity-until then I had entertained hopes of return.
- Can an exchange of ideas across different languages be of any general value?
- Click on an icon to begin an exchange of ideas.
- Clubs provide education, exchange of ideas and often show a profit.
- Communication problems may occur in the exchange of information and the expression of emotion.
- It does mean learning to cultivate the exchange of ideas and viewpoints.
- Oppenheimer also knew that science can not proceed without the free exchange of information.
- The key factor is the exchange of information to deal with international crime.
- They defined administration as routine communication activities such as paperwork and exchange of information.
- As they exchanged ideas and memories, both felt richer.
- Both sides also agreed to exchange information on a weekly basis between senior military commanders on troop deployments and movements.
- Bulletin boards are a low-tech way to exchange information.
- Children exchange information with one another in their conversations and learn to view events from the position of others.
- He needs to be able to exchange ideas, express moods and emotions.
- Meeting together at a disability arts event can also provide rare opportunities for disabled people to exchange ideas.
- The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange information about future events and to discuss problems of mutual interest.
- There are no formal ties between the national clearinghouses but they maintain regular contact, and exchange information, newsletters and materials.
- I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about.
- I don't have the foggiest idea what his address is.
- Before I go on, some of you may not have the foggiest what a fanzine is.
- Members of the jury must not have formed opinions from publicity before the trial.
- Among those who have formed an opinion, more say public projects should go on the ballot than not.
- He conceded to Franceschelli that actually being present during the autopsy might have given him better information to form an opinion.
- He was in no state to form an idea of what we were talking about.
- It is the auditor's responsibility to form an opinion on the truth and fairness of the accounts.
- Nor that we should not form opinions or make evaluations.
- So gather information about your child, rather than forming opinions and judgments.
- Yet, along with journalists, poets, literary figures, and agitators, they do help form opinions.
- You should try to form an impression of the person the adjectives describe.
- It represents the germ of an idea which someday might explode into a national objective.
- Is this your idea of a joke?
- The dismembered leg sticking straight out of the rubbish was clearly his idea of a joke.
- A thin, friendly man, he often gave the mistaken impression that nothing was too much trouble.
- Cannabis may have few immediate withdrawal effects and this again may give rise to the mistaken belief that it is not addictive.
- People have a mistaken idea about artists.
- Such a deeply mistaken belief can only come from a citizen of a country with a disciplinarian attitude to politics.
- That can lead to the mistaken impression that the principles do not fit businesses involved in services.
- The foregoing paragraphs dispose, it is hoped, of some mistaken ideas as to the state and progress of sexuality in adulthood.
- The most mistaken idea is that you can Xerox people and somehow clone a fully grown adult.
- This can give rise to the mistaken belief that cocaine is not an addictive drug.
- Their conversation had planted doubts in Dennis' mind about the partnership.
- But don't run away with the idea it was all Jerusalem the Golden.
- Despite the encouraging figures, the Chunnel has prompted ferry companies to smarten up their act, and offer better deals.
- I can remember nothing of them, but I have a vague feeling of having been well cared for.
You should talk to Ken - he’s always full of good ideas. I knew it was a bad idea to leave him on his own. It was my wife’s idea to move house.idea for The idea for the book came from an old war movie.the idea of doing something I had the idea of asking Katie for help. ► Don’t say ‘the idea to do something’. Say the idea of doing something. However, you can say it is a good idea to do something and it was someone’s idea to do something.2knowledge [countable, uncountable] a general understanding of something, based on some knowledge about it: Could you give me an idea of how bad his injuries are? You must have some idea (=have at least a little knowledge) of what happened to the money. Don’t worry if you don’t understand it right now – you’ll get the idea (=begin to understand or be able to do something).have no idea/not have any idea She doesn’t have any idea where they’ve gone.a general/rough idea (=a not very exact idea) Can you give me a rough idea of how much the repairs will cost?not have the faintest/slightest/foggiest idea spoken I don’t have the faintest idea what to get Rachel for her birthday.3aim/intention [countable, uncountable] the aim, intention, or purpose of doing something: The idea is to teach children to save money.idea of/behind The idea behind the outing is to encourage employees to get to know each other. They wanted Mike to go to law school, but he had other ideas (=had different plans).4how you imagine something to be [countable, uncountable] an image in your mind of what something is like or should be likeidea of Chefs differ in their idea of what makes a good dessert. I only have a vague idea of the kind of work I’ll be doing. It helps if you have a clear idea of what you want.not my idea of something Chocolate milk and a piece of cake is not my idea of dinner. The very idea of kissing him made her feel physically sick.5belief/opinion [countable usually plural] someone’s opinion or belief about somethingidea about She had some rather unusual ideas about raising children.where did you get that idea? (=used to say that what someone thinks is completely wrong) No, I’m not seeing Jane. Where did you get that idea?6principle [countable] a principle or belief about how something is or should beidea of The whole idea of democracy was something strange and new to most people.idea that It’s based on the idea that all people are created equal.7have an idea (that) to be fairly sure that something is true, without being completely sure: I’m not sure where my necklace is, but I have a pretty good idea who took it.8get the wrong idea to think that something is true when it is not: Don’t get the wrong idea about Dan and Helen – they’re just friends.9have the right idea to act or think in a way that will probably lead to the correct result: He still makes a few mistakes but I reckon he’s got the right idea.10that’s/there’s an idea spoken used to say that you like what someone has just suggested: ‘Why don’t you invite Paula to come with us?’ ‘There’s an idea.’11that’s the idea spoken a)used to tell someone who is learning to do something that they are doing it the right way, in order to encourage them: Keep your knees bent and lean forward slightly. That’s the idea! b)used to emphasize what the main point of something is, or to say that someone understands that point: ‘You’re thinking of getting a new job?’ ‘Yeah, that’s the idea.’12bright idea a very clever idea, often used in a joking way to mean a very stupid idea or action: Whose bright idea was it to leave the back door wide open?13give somebody ideas/put ideas into somebody’s head to make someone think of doing something that they had not thought of doing before, especially something that they should not do: Nick tells me he wants a motorbike. Have you been putting ideas into his head?14is it somebody’s idea of a joke? used when you are surprised and often rather annoyed by what someone has said or done: ‘She wants you to do it by tomorrow.’ ‘Is that your idea of a joke?’15what’s the big idea? spoken used when you cannot understand why someone has done something16you have no idea (how/what etc) spoken used when you are telling someone that something is extremely good, bad etc: You have no idea how worried I was.17the idea! old-fashioned spoken used to express surprise or disapproval when someone has said something stupid → buck your ideas up at buck upCOLLOCATIONSverbshave an idea· I’ve had an idea. Why don’t we walk into town?get an idea· She got the idea from an article in a magazine.give somebody an idea· What gave you the idea for the book?come up with an idea (=think of an idea)· He’s always coming up with interesting ideas.hit on an idea informal (=suddenly think of an idea)· Then we hit on the idea of renting a cottage.toy with an idea informal (=think about using an idea, but not very seriously)· I’m toying with the idea of going back to college.brainstorm ideas (=get a group of people to all try and think of ideas)· We had a meeting to brainstorm ideas for the new advertising campaign.share/exchange ideas (=tell someone else your ideas, and learn their ideas)· an opportunity for local business people to share ideasan idea comes to somebody (=someone suddenly thinks of an idea)· The idea came to me while I was having a bath.adjectivesa good/bad idea· Keeping the drinks cold in the bath was a good idea.· Knocking down this wall was a really bad idea.a great/brilliant/excellent idea· What a great idea!a bright idea (=a very good idea - often used ironically)· Whose bright idea was it to leave the washing out in the rain?a clever idea· It seemed like a clever idea at the time.interesting· The idea sounded interesting, but I didn’t think it would work.stupid/ridiculous/crazy· The idea sounded crazy to me.· Camping in the middle of winter was a ridiculous idea!· He had the crazy idea of hitchhiking around South America.original/innovative (=no one has thought of it before)· The company is looking for people who can come up with original ideas.a half-baked idea (=an idea that has not been carefully thought out)· It’s yet another of the government’s half-baked ideas.phrasesbe full of ideas (also be bursting with ideas) (=have a lot of ideas)· The children were enthusiastic and full of ideas.fire/bounce ideas off one another (=discuss each other’s ideas and think of good new ones)· Our regular meetings are opportunities to fire ideas off each other.THESAURUSidea something that you think of, especially something that you could do or suggest: · I think that’s an excellent idea.· Let me know if you have any good ideas.thought something that comes into your mind: · The thought had entered my mind that he might be lying.· It was a worrying thought.· She was lost in her thoughts.impression the idea that you have in your mind about what someone or something is like: · What was your impression of him?inspiration a good and original idea, which makes you think of doing or creating something: · Where did you get your inspiration from for the book?· He suddenly had a flash of inspiration.· The design for the house was entirely the inspiration of the architect.brainwave British English, brainstorm American English a sudden new and clever idea, especially one that solves a problem: · I thought I’d have to sell the house, but then I had a brainwave.concept an idea of how something is, or how something should be done: · Concepts of beauty are different in different cultures.· the traditional concept of marriagenotion an idea about life or society, especially one that is a little silly or old-fashioned: · There is no evidence to support the notion that poverty is caused by laziness.