under the influence

Idioms  

1. Impaired functioning owing to alcohol consumption, as in He was accused of driving under the influence. This expression, from legal jargon, is short for under the influence of intoxicating liquor and implies that one is not completely drunk. Since it is nearly always applied to drivers suspected or so accused, it has given rise to the police acronym DUI, for “driving under the influence.” [Second half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Still under the influence of the propaganda she had absorbed as a child, she had not then grasped the degree of Mao’s cruelty and cynicism.

From The Wall Street Journal

He fell under the influence of T.J.

From The Wall Street Journal

Under the influence of high pressure, we are likely to see a decrease in wet and windy weather in favour of slightly colder, more settled conditions.

From BBC

There, he experienced a profound personal crisis and, under the influence of Ambrose, the powerful bishop of Milan, converted to Christianity.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We were very disappointed because we believe Mr. Elliott was innocent and had acted in self defense when being physically attacked by a younger assailant who appeared to be under the influence and acting erratically,” said Calvin C. Schneider, Elliott’s attorney, in an email.

From Los Angeles Times