under the influence

Idioms  

1. Impaired functioning owing to alcohol consumption, as in He was accused of driving under the influence. This expression, from legal jargon, is short for under the influence of intoxicating liquor and implies that one is not completely drunk. Since it is nearly always applied to drivers suspected or so accused, it has given rise to the police acronym DUI, for “driving under the influence.” [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

under the influence

In such a defence, New York law requires lawyers to show a defendant "acted under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable explanation or excuse".

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

“No evidence indicating that the defendant was driving under the influence was presented to our office.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2026

Many parents and teachers have raised concerns that local authorities are under the influence of the AI industry, which has broadly been pushing its wares for government use.

From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026

Geren had come under the influence of some midgrade officers, notably Col.

From Slate ● Jun. 5, 2026

Together we walk into the room where Tobias and I were once interrogated under the influence of truth serum.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth