make an impression

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

But he usually managed to make an impression on opposing teams anyway.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Salon

“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.”

From Literature

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.

From Salon

Related Words

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