The very idea Meaning in English
expression
ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈvɛɹi/ /aɪˈdiə
thuh VERR-ee eye-DEE-uh
ðə, ði/ /vˈɛɹi/ /aɪdˈiə
thuh veh-REE eye-DEE-uh
Definition
Used to show shock, disbelief, or strong disapproval of a suggestion, often because it is unthinkable or unacceptable.
Usage & Nuances
Highly emphatic; most often used in spoken English to show disapproval, shock, or to exaggerate rejection. Usually occurs by itself or as part of an exclamation ('The very idea!'). Sometimes used half-jokingly. Avoid in formal writing.
Spanish: ¡solo pensarlo! - ¡ni pensarlo! - la simple ideaPortuguese (BR): só de pensar! - a simples ideiaPortuguese (PT): só de pensar! - a simples ideiaChinese (Simplified): 想都不要想！- 光是想法Chinese (Traditional): 想都不要想！- 光是想法Hindi: इस विचार मात्र से! - ज़रा सोचिएArabic: مجرد الفكرة! - مجرد التفكيرBengali: শুধু ভাবনাটাই! - ভাবতেই পারা যায় নাRussian: Одна только мысль! - Даже думать об этом!Japanese: そんなこと考えるだけでも！- その発想自体Vietnamese: Chỉ nghĩ thôi! - Ý nghĩ đó thôiKorean: 생각만 해도! - 그런 생각조차Turkish: Bu fikrin kendisi bile! - Düşüncesi bileUrdu: صرف یہی خیال! - محض یہ سوچIndonesian: Hanya membayangkannya saja! - Ide itu saja
Example Sentences
The very idea of cheating makes me angry.
basic
She was shocked at the very idea that he lied.
basic
The very idea that I forgot her birthday is ridiculous.
basic
You trust him? The very idea!
natural
The very idea of quitting now is out of the question.
natural
He laughed off the very idea that he could lose to a beginner.
natural