dismiss an idea

Meaning

This phrase means to quickly reject a suggestion, thought, or plan without giving it serious consideration. It often implies that the person thinks the idea is impractical, unworthy, or foolish. It is used when discussing family plans, creative projects, or casual problem-solving.

Examples

• You shouldn't dismiss an idea just because it sounds unusual at first.

  You shouldn't dismiss an idea just because it sounds unusual at first.

• It's easy to dismiss an idea when you are tired and stressed.

  It's easy to dismiss an idea when you are tired and stressed.

• Before you dismiss an idea, try to think about its potential benefits.

  Before you dismiss an idea, try to think about its potential benefits.

• He was quick to dismiss an idea that could have saved us a lot of money.

  He was quick to dismiss an idea that could have saved us a lot of money.

• We decided not to dismiss an idea until we had discussed it as a team.

  We decided not to dismiss an idea until we had discussed it as a team.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He dismissed about my idea.

  ✓ He dismissed my idea.

  The verb 'dismiss' is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'about'.

• ✗ She missed my idea because she thought it was too expensive.

  ✓ She dismissed my idea because she thought it was too expensive.

  'Miss' means to fail to catch or see something. 'Dismiss' means to reject or discard an idea.

Related Expressions

Practice

• You shouldn't __________ until you have heard all the details.

  💡 Reject a suggestion without thinking about it.

  Show answer

  dismiss an idea

• It's frustrating when people __________ without offering a better alternative.

  💡 Discard a thought or plan immediately.

  Show answer

  dismiss an idea