Give somebody ideas
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.
Often appears as...
- don't give someone ideas
- give bad ideas
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To indirectly suggest something to someone, especially something they had not thought of before or considered possible.
I don't want to give you any ideas, but there might be an easier way to do this.
Often appears as...
- give innovative ideas
- give unexpected ideas
Usage tips
Idiomatic
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.
Often appears as...
- don't give someone ideas
- give bad ideas
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To indirectly suggest something to someone, especially something they had not thought of before or considered possible.
I don't want to give you any ideas, but there might be an easier way to do this.
Often appears as...
- give innovative ideas
- give unexpected ideas
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Positive or Negative
The phrase can suggest encouragement or warning, depending on the context.
His success story will give others ideas to follow his path.
Pro Tip 2/3Idea Influence
Emphasize that ideas provided can influence someone's actions or decisions.
Watching that heist movie might give them ideas about breaking the rules.
Pro Tip 3/3Using Sarcasm
Sometimes used sarcastically to imply the idea is undesirable or mischievous.
Keep quiet about skipping school, you'll give others ideas.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive or Negative
The phrase can suggest encouragement or warning, depending on the context.
His success story will give others ideas to follow his path.
Pro Tip 2/3Idea Influence
Emphasize that ideas provided can influence someone's actions or decisions.
Watching that heist movie might give them ideas about breaking the rules.
Pro Tip 3/3Using Sarcasm
Sometimes used sarcastically to imply the idea is undesirable or mischievous.
Keep quiet about skipping school, you'll give others ideas.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive or Negative
The phrase can suggest encouragement or warning, depending on the context.
His success story will give others ideas to follow his path.
Pro Tip 2/3Idea Influence
Emphasize that ideas provided can influence someone's actions or decisions.
Watching that heist movie might give them ideas about breaking the rules.
Pro Tip 3/3Using Sarcasm
Sometimes used sarcastically to imply the idea is undesirable or mischievous.
Keep quiet about skipping school, you'll give others ideas.
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