impose on
Idioms-
Force something on someone; also, levy a tax or duty. For example, Don't try to impose your ideas on me , or The British crown imposed a tariff on tea . [Late 1500s]
-
Force oneself on others; take unfair advantage of. For example, Am I imposing on you if I stay overnight? or He's always imposing on us, dropping in unexpectedly with numerous friends . [Early 1600s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The CMA has a range of powers including fines they can impose on firms.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
Most significantly on the trading horizon is the export licensing China will impose on January 1.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025
It will, however, be exempted for three years from tariffs of 100% that Trump had threatened to impose on drugmakers.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025
A federal appeals court struck down the rule in July, finding that the FTC failed to properly consider the costs it would impose on businesses.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 25, 2025
“Thank you for everything. I won’t impose on you any longer.”
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
