make a dent in

by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

[make a dent in] {v. phr.}, {informal} To make less by a very small amount; reduce slightly. — Usually used in the negative or with such qualifying words as "hardly" or "barely".

* /John shoveled and shoveled, but he didn't seem to make a dent in the pile of sand./

* /Mary studied all afternoon and only made a dent in her homework./

Tags:


	{informal} ¹⁴⁰¹ {v. phr.} ²¹⁸²

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

To upper section: M


	↑ Grab this Headline Animator Subscribe to Learn American Idioms day-by-day by Email

	See also »
	dent [dent] See: MAKE A DENT IN. A Dictionary of American Idioms make the most of [make the most of] {v. phr.} To do the most you can with; get the ... A Dictionary of American Idioms make out [make out] {v.} 1. To write the facts asked for (as in an application blank ... A Dictionary of American Idioms American Idioms American Idiomatic Expressions This online dictionary of idioms is based on original book by ... Dictionary of American Idioms make little of [make little of] {v. phr.} To make (something) seem unimportant; belittle. * /Mary made little ... A Dictionary of American Idioms make away with [make away with] {v.}, {informal} Take; carry away; cause to disappear. * /The lumberjack made ... A Dictionary of American Idioms make the fur fly [make the fur fly] or [make the feathers fly] {v. phr.}, {informal} Say or write ... A Dictionary of American Idioms

	Latest news »
	RSS-feeds We have added RSS functionality to the site. At present you can subscribe to any of the following RSS feeds: search (keywords), ...