main idea
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of main idea
First recorded in 1855–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I produced this 20-minute film to help him fulfill that dream, but the main idea was to share tai chi with technology employees who are working 16 hours a day.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
That’s the main idea behind the “Norimaki Synthesizer” – the new taste display.
From NewsForKids.net • May 16, 2024
Companies who routinely violate the law could face fines, Haney said, but the main idea is to let employees know what to expect from their work.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024
“Kasselakis is a prime example of this trend, the main idea being that the adoption of sheer imagery — not just gay, but also young and energetic — will do the trick,” Mr. Seferiades added.
From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2023
But I agree with the main idea behind the nostalgia: literate people should know how to think about grammar.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.