“Abandon the idea” refers to giving up on a particular thought, plan, or intention. It implies a conscious decision to no longer pursue something, often because it seems impractical, unrealistic, or unlikely to succeed. This phrase is commonly used when someone realizes that continuing with an idea would be unwise, unachievable, or counterproductive. It can apply to personal, professional, or creative contexts and suggests a shift in mindset or priorities. To abandon the idea is not always negative—it can reflect flexibility, pragmatism, or a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
Sample Sentences:
- After reviewing the costs, they decided to abandon the idea of expanding their business.
- He abandoned the idea of learning guitar when he realized he had no time to practice.
- Faced with resistance, the manager abandoned the idea of restructuring the team.
- She abandoned the idea of moving abroad after considering her family’s needs.
- The scientists abandoned the idea when their experiments repeatedly failed.
- After much debate, the board abandoned the idea of merging with the rival company.
- He abandoned the idea of proposing after sensing her reluctance to commit.
- They abandoned the idea of hosting the event outdoors due to unpredictable weather.
- Once the risks were clear, they abandoned the idea of investing in that startup.
- Realizing it would strain their resources, the organization abandoned the idea of launching a new program.
Synonyms:
- Give up on the idea
- Let go of the thought
- Drop the plan
- Discard the notion
- Set aside the idea
- Relinquish the thought
- Reject the proposal
- Walk away from the plan
Antonyms:
- Pursue the idea
- Hold on to the thought
- Stick to the plan
- Implement the idea
- Commit to the notion
- Develop the idea
- Move forward with the plan
- Embrace the concept
Phrasal Verbs:
- Give up on (to stop pursuing or believing in something)
- Let go of (to stop holding onto an idea emotionally or mentally)
- Drop out of (to withdraw from a plan or idea)
- Walk away from (to leave a thought or plan behind)
- Rule out (to decide against an idea or proposal)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Throw in the towel (to give up on something)
- Put it on the back burner (to delay or set an idea aside)
- Scrap the plan (to abandon a plan entirely)
- Chalk it up to experience (to abandon an idea after learning from failure)
- Go back to the drawing board (to abandon an idea and start over)
- Pull the plug on (to decide to stop pursuing an idea or plan)
