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]

Example Sentences

In terms of arrangements and production, “Goon” was much more varied, probably because it had to be—Mr. Jesso was unknown, and needed to make an impression.

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The film’s two new songs, “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble,” fail to make an impression.

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“Well, I am going to make an impression, one way or another. And I cannot take one minute less than an hour and three-quarters to do it.”

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Moments of dramatic tension hold the same amount of passion as Christy’s quieter, heartbroken moments — which is to say, some, but not nearly enough to make an impression.

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It did not take her long to make an impression in Portugal.

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Related Words

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