make an impression

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Related Words

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