Give somebody ideas

usgb
phrase

To inspire someone with ideas or to encourage them to think in a certain way, which can have negative or positive effects.

Don't give your younger brother any ideas about playing pranks on the neighbors.
Visual representation of "give somebody ideas" - To inspire someone with ideas or to encourage them to think in a certain way, which can have negative or positive effects.

Often appears as...

  • don't give someone ideas
  • give bad ideas

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "give somebody ideas"
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Positive or Negative

The phrase can suggest encouragement or warning, depending on the context.

Illustration for Positive or Negative
His success story will give others ideas to follow his path.
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Idea Influence

Emphasize that ideas provided can influence someone's actions or decisions.

Illustration for Idea Influence
Watching that heist movie might give them ideas about breaking the rules.
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Using Sarcasm

Sometimes used sarcastically to imply the idea is undesirable or mischievous.

Illustration for Using Sarcasm
Keep quiet about skipping school, you'll give others ideas.
Visual representation of the word "Give somebody ideas"

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