withdraw the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"withdraw the idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to retract or remove an idea that was previously presented or suggested. You can use this phrase to express changing your mind about a previously proposed idea or to formally remove an idea from consideration. Example: After discussing the project further, we have decided to withdraw the idea of implementing a new system.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So I am forced to withdraw the idea that a lyric should look disappointing and say instead that it can look very disappointing indeed.

The Guardian - Books

By the end of 2002 the aircraft was being called the Chronic Loser, and Boeing had to withdraw the idea, despite the positive publicity it had generated.But the episode taught Boeing how deeply the airlines cared for economy rather than speed, in the aftermath of the industry crisis that coincided with the terrorist attacks of September 2001.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

After the plan threw financial markets into turmoil and European leaders reacted with fury, Mr. Papandreou withdrew the idea, but won a reversal from Mr. Samaras on the debt deal.

The New York Times

But when he checked with the administration, he said, "All I kept hearing was, 'No, no, no, she can't do this.' " Ms. Carmicino said that she then withdrew the idea to avoid putting her professor on the spot.

The New York Times

He withdrew the idea and called it his "biggest blunder".

Science Magazine

Backed by Mr Chirac, he long insisted he will not withdraw the contract, though ideas for compromise are now emerging.

The Economist

Last week he issued a proclamation saying that Apple should withdraw the iPhone (not a bad idea).

TechCrunch

One of the main ideas is not to withdraw the teacher from the loop.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Chastened, Method withdrew the video.

The New York Times

Carefully withdraw the pies.

WikiHow

After save, withdraw the Pokemon.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "withdraw the idea" when you want to clearly communicate that a previously suggested concept is no longer being considered or pursued.

Common error

Avoid using "withdraw the idea" when you mean to modify or adapt an existing idea. "Withdraw" indicates complete removal, not alteration. Use phrases like "revise the concept" or "adjust the plan" for modifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withdraw the idea" functions as a verb phrase acting on a noun phrase, indicating the action of retracting or removing a previously presented concept. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "withdraw the idea" effectively communicates the retraction of a previously proposed concept, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and understandable, its frequency is uncommon. As exemplified by the provided examples, this phrase sees common use in News & Media, Science and Wiki domains. It is important to avoid confusion with similar phrases that suggest alteration rather than complete removal. In summary, use "withdraw the idea" to clearly indicate that a concept is no longer under consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retract the suggestion

Focuses on taking back a previously made suggestion.

take back the concept

Directly implies retrieving or revoking a conceptual notion.

abandon the plan

Emphasizes the complete cessation of a planned course of action.

rescind the thought

Formal way of saying you are taking back a thought or idea.

reconsider the proposal

Suggests a renewed evaluation of an existing proposal.

drop the notion

Informal way of abandoning an idea.

repeal the scheme

More formal and implies revoking a structured plan or system.

disavow the opinion

Denies ownership or support of a previously expressed opinion.

nullify the intention

Formal term for rendering an intention void or without effect.

shelve the project

Postponing or putting aside a project, either temporarily or permanently.

FAQs

How can I use "withdraw the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "withdraw the idea" to indicate that a previously proposed concept is no longer being considered. For example: "After further review, the committee decided to withdraw the idea of implementing mandatory overtime."

What are some alternatives to "withdraw the idea"?

You can use alternatives such as "retract the suggestion", "abandon the plan", or "reconsider the proposal" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "withdraw the idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "withdraw the idea" is suitable for formal writing, especially when clarity and precision are needed to convey the decision to no longer pursue a particular concept or proposal.

What's the difference between "withdraw the idea" and "shelve the idea"?

"Withdraw the idea" implies a permanent removal from consideration, while "shelve the project" suggests that the idea is being temporarily put aside but could be revisited in the future.