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under the impression

Idioms

Thinking, assuming, or believing something, as in I was under the impression that they were coming today. This idiom often suggests that the idea or belief one had is mistaken. [Mid-1800s]

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 Miami crowd, under the impression they were there to be entertained, hissed and booed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 20, 2025

Ms Robinson said they had been under the impression the law had been working to protect families since it was passed.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

If you haven’t yet watched the limited series, you may be under the impression that this is a spoiler.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2025

The journalists were waiting around under the impression that ICE was going to make an arrest when the court let out.

From Slate • Oct. 10, 2025

He was clearly under the impression that he was flattering Vernon Dursley, who was visibly losing confidence in the plan with every word Dedalus spoke.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023