the (very) idea!
An exclamation of shocked disapproval regarding something someone said or did. They thought I would just go along with their plan to cut my pay while taking on more responsibility. The idea! The very idea—how dare you suggest something so horrible!
The very idea!
I do not approve!; That is outrageous! Resignation? The very idea! The very idea! Absolutely not!
the idea
Also, the very idea. See under what's the idea.
the (very) iˈdea!
(old-fashioned, spoken) used to express surprise or disapproval at the way somebody behaves: She expected me to pay for everything. The idea!