wash over

verb

1. (of an emotion) to affect (a person) suddenly and profoundly
2. (of an event) to have little effect on (a person)

Example Sentences

But Obama has let the political waves wash over his lines in the sand before.

From The Daily Beast

For a second, the citizens broke; then a wave of fury seemed to wash over them at the needless risk to the safety of all.

From Project Gutenberg

Jenkins felt a wave of blackness wash over him, a terrible wrenching at his innards, and a sudden thrust.

From Project Gutenberg

We must keep close beside the sea and let the waves wash over us every minute or two.

From Project Gutenberg

The sea was very calm and we kept the boat pretty steady, but every now and then a wave would wash over it.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the people that had been struggling upward would be engulfed, and the levelling waves of barbarism wash over them.

From Project Gutenberg