propose to

propose to

1. To suggest that some action be taken. I propose to move the meeting to next week. We propose to join forces and repel the invaders as a single, unified army!
2. To make a suggestion to someone. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "propose" and "to" to specify what is being suggested. I suggested a slightly different way of wording the text to the boss, but he got really mad at me for it. They're proposing a lower price to us for the house seeing as there were so many issues with the plumbing.
3. To ask for someone's hand in marriage; to make a marriage proposal. I'm planning on proposing to Judy while we're in Paris. She proposed to me on my birthday.
See also: propose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

propose something to someone

to suggest something to someone. I have an idea I would like to propose to you. Sam wanted to propose a new plan to Sarah.
See also: propose

propose to someone

to suggest marriage to someone, usually a male to a female. Guess who proposed to me last night? Do you think that Sam will propose to Mary?
See also: propose
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • offer to
  • put forward
  • you had me worried
  • propose a toast
  • approach
  • approach (one) about
  • approach about
  • think tank
  • think-tank
  • float a trial balloon
References in classic literature
Since then we propose to inquire what civil society is of all others best for those who have it in their power to live entirely as they wish, it is necessary to examine into the polity of those states which are allowed to be well governed; and if there should be any others which some persons have described, and which appear properly regulated, to note what is right and useful in them; and when we point out wherein they have failed, let not this be imputed to an affectation of wisdom, for it is because there are great defects in all those which are already 'established, that I have been induced to undertake this work.
A Treatise on Government
I propose to tell you--in the first place--what is known of the manner in which your cousin met his death; appending to the statement such inferences and conclusions as we are justified (according to my opinion) in drawing from the facts.
The Moonstone
I shall surprise our friend Maston, then, by stigmatizing his calculations as timid; and I propose to double his 800,000 pounds of powder."
From The Earth To The Moon
Applicants may propose to define critical components in the signature, to confirm that the selected components continue to provide the desired clinical information and to develop robust assays for measuring those components.
Applicants may propose to evaluate signatures the have previously been identified using analytical technologies such as, but not limited to, gene expression microarrays, SAGE, multiplex PCR or any of a large number of protein analysis technologies.
Strategic partnering to evaluate cancer signatures
The private investment fund activities in which Notificants propose to engage consist of serving as the investment adviser to and the general partner of, and holding and placing equity interests in, certain investment funds that invest only in securities and other instruments that Notificants would be permitted to hold directly under the BHC Act ("private investment funds").
ORDERS ISSUED UNDER BANK HOLDING COMPANY ACT
Applicants may propose to obtain tissues from a previous collection or prospectively, as long as the specific alms proposed can be accomplished within the period of the grant award.
Strategic partnering to evaluate cancer signatures