Give somebody ideas Definition 1 of 2Pro 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.