18 English Collocations with the Word ‘Idea’
Sound more fluent, natural, and confident in conversation
If you want to sound more fluent and natural in English, one of the best things you can do is get comfortable with collocations—words that often go together in everyday conversation. Native speakers use them without even thinking, and once you start noticing and using them yourself, everything begins to feel a bit more... effortless.
In this post, we’re focusing on a word that comes up constantly in everyday English: ‘idea’. Whether you’re suggesting a plan, sharing an opinion, or completely confused about what’s going on, there’s likely a collocation here that fits the moment.
Let’s go through 18 of the most common and useful collocations with ‘idea’, with examples and tips to help you know when and how to use them.
1. The whole idea
Used to emphasise the main purpose or point of something.
You can use this when someone has misunderstood what something is really about.
The whole idea of a weekend away is to relax and forget about work.
He missed the whole idea of the activity—it was meant to be fun!
The whole idea is to make things simpler, not more complicated.
2. A preconceived idea
An opinion or assumption you have before actually experiencing or learning about something.
Use this to describe bias or assumptions that may turn out to be incorrect.
I had a preconceived idea that yoga would be boring, but I loved it.
People often have preconceived ideas about what success should look like.
She went into the interview with a preconceived idea about the company culture.
3. To have no idea
To not know something at all.
Use this when you’re completely unsure about a fact, situation or what to do.
I have no idea what time the train leaves.
They had no idea she was moving to Australia.
I honestly have no idea how to cook this.
4. It’s just an idea
A soft or tentative suggestion.
Use this when you want to suggest something without sounding too pushy or certain.
It’s just an idea, but maybe we could meet in the morning instead?
Just an idea: what if we asked everyone to bring something to the picnic?
It’s just an idea—I haven’t really thought it through yet.
5. To come up with an idea
To think of or invent a new idea.
Use this when you create a new solution, plan or suggestion.
She came up with the idea for her business while on holiday.
Can you come up with an idea for our next post?
They came up with the idea of starting a book club.
6. To get an idea
To understand something or suddenly think of a plan or concept.
Use this when you start to understand how something works or where an idea came from.
I got the idea from a podcast I was listening to.
After watching her explain it, I finally got the idea.
He suddenly got the idea to start painting again.
7. To put the idea into someone’s head
To make someone start thinking about something (often unintentionally or irresponsibly).
Use this when someone becomes interested in something because someone else mentioned it.
Don’t put ideas into her head—she’ll want a motorbike next!
Who put that idea into your head?
You’ve only got yourself to blame—you put the idea in his head in the first place.
8. A clear idea
A good understanding or plan.
Use this when someone knows exactly what they want or what’s happening.
She had a clear idea of what she wanted to say.
Do you have a clear idea of how long the meeting will be?
I now have a clear idea of what the role involves.
9. A vague idea
A general or partial understanding—not detailed or specific.
Use this when you're a bit unsure or only have a rough picture in your mind.
I’ve got a vague idea where it is, but we’ll need directions.
He had a vague idea of the rules, but still got confused.
We had a vague idea of what the problem was, but needed more information.
10. To not have the faintest idea
To absolutely not know something at all.
A more expressive or dramatic way of saying "I have no idea." Often used for emphasis.
I haven’t the faintest idea how she does it all.
He didn’t have the faintest idea what she meant.
They haven’t the faintest idea where the keys are.
11. To explore an idea
To think more deeply about a possible plan, project or concept.
Use this when you want to look into something further before making a decision.
We explored the idea of working remotely full-time.
Let’s explore that idea a bit more before we decide.
I’m still exploring the idea of taking a course in photography.
12. A brilliant idea
A clever, excellent or impressive suggestion.
Use this when something feels exciting, smart or perfect for the situation.
That’s a brilliant idea—let’s do it!
She always has brilliant ideas when we’re stuck.
At the time, it seemed like a brilliant idea.
13. The idea behind something
The concept or intention that inspired something.
Use this to explain the purpose or reason for a product, plan, event, etc.
The idea behind this app is to reduce food waste.
What’s the idea behind this new campaign?
The idea behind the project is to make learning more fun.
14. A crazy idea
An unrealistic, strange or impulsive plan.
Use this when something feels extreme, risky, or just a bit wild.
It might be a crazy idea, but what if we started a podcast?
They had a crazy idea to cycle from London to Paris.
I thought it was a crazy idea at first—but it worked!
15. A dreadful idea
A very bad or unpleasant plan.
Use this when you strongly disagree with a suggestion or think it will go wrong.
Going camping in the rain was a dreadful idea.
I told him it was a dreadful idea to skip the interview.
That sounds like a dreadful idea—please don’t do it.
16. To exchange ideas
To share thoughts or suggestions with others.
Use this when people are collaborating or discussing different viewpoints.
We exchanged ideas about the new design.
It’s always helpful to exchange ideas with people from different fields.
The meeting was a good chance to exchange ideas and ask questions.
17. A rough idea
A basic or approximate sense of something—not exact.
Use this when you can guess something generally, but don’t know the details.
I’ve got a rough idea how much it’ll cost, but I need to check.
She gave us a rough idea of the timeline.
Do you have a rough idea of how many people will be there?
18. To get the idea
To understand the general concept or point of something.
Use this when someone starts to catch on or no longer needs a full explanation.
You only need to read the first chapter to get the idea.
After one class, I got the idea and started practising on my own.
I think she got the idea after I explained it again.
Learning collocations like these can really boost your confidence and fluency. When you start using natural word combinations instead of building sentences word-by-word, English becomes more intuitive—and more enjoyable.
Pick a few of your favourite collocations from this list and try using them in real conversations this week. You don’t need to memorise them all—just get the idea.