make a dent in

Idioms  

1. Begin to accomplish or consume something, as in I've barely made a dent in this pile of correspondence, or Help us put a dent in this pie. This metaphoric expression alludes to striking a blow to make a physical indentation in something.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

make a dent in

But it would hardly make a dent in the cost of air conditioning, for which he recommends at least a 3,000- to 4,000-watt kit.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2026

Murphy’s fellow representative, Democrat Zac Ista, told ProPublica he hadn’t been able to make a dent in this legislature.

From Salon ● Jun. 8, 2026

Hochul’s pied-à-terre tax aimed to help make a dent in New York City’s estimated $12 billion budget deficit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026

In other words, eliminating all of this overspending, even if that were possible, wouldn’t make a dent in total spending.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 29, 2026

They’ve propped open skylights that crisscross the high metal roof, but any air that’s managing to get in can’t make a dent in the fog below.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

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