put ideas in(to) (one's) head

put ideas in(to) (one's) head

To suggest something to one; to lead one to start believing (in) something; to make someone want to start doing something. Used of suggestions, ideas, or beliefs that one wouldn't have thought of on one's own, especially those that are foolish or negative. Of course we're not going to sell the house! Who's been putting ideas in your head? I can't believe you were caught smoking marijuana. I bet it's that no-good kid Casey who put ideas like that into your head. I heard John putting ideas into his sister's head that she was adopted.

See also: head, idea, put

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

put ideas into someone's head

Fig. to suggest something-usually something bad-to someone (who would not have thought of it otherwise). Bill keeps getting into trouble. Please don't put ideas into his head. Bob would get along all right if other kids didn't put ideas into his head.

See also: head, idea, put

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

put ideas into someone's head

Also, put an idea in someone's head. Suggest something to someone, as in No, we're not moving-what put that idea in your head? [Mid-1800s]

See also: head, idea, put

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.