make an impression

1. Produce a strong effect on one. This phrase is often qualified with an adjective such as good, bad, strong, or the like. For example, He tried to make a good impression on his girlfriend's parents, or Be careful or you'll make a bad impression on the jury, or You made quite an impression with that speech. [Mid-1600s]

Related Words

• affect 
• disturb 
• excite 
• grab 
• impress 
• influence 
• inspire 
• mark 
• move 
• stir 
• strike 
• stroke 
• upset