make a dent
verb1
Figuratively To make an impression; to have an effect on; to chip away at.
- If an actor doesn't have a point of view, he doesn't make a dent. And I mean to make a dent.1938 December 18, Bosley Crowther, quoting John Garfield, “A man who means to make a dent”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
- But I am not yet persuaded that Clintonomics will make much of a dent in the persistent problems of unemployment in the U.S. economy.1992 December 6, David M. Gordon, “Clinton May Fall Short on Easing Unemployment”, in Los Angeles Times, page D2:
3 more examples
- Clinton's budget plan on social needs will barely make a dent [title]1999 February 4, Michael M. Weinstein, “Clinton's budget plan on social needs will barely make a dent”, in The New York Times:
- China's Efforts Against Crime Make No Dent [title]2001 December 26, Craig S. Smith, “China's Efforts Against Crime Make No Dent”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
- Think about surfing on the front edge of a wave. It's really exhilarating. Now think about dog-paddling at the tail end of that wave. It wouldn't be anywhere near as much fun. Come down here and make a dent in the universe.2011, Walter Isaacson, quoting Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs, New York: Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, page 94:
2
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see make, a, dent.