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]

---

Example Sentences

A 59-year-old man from Dana Point was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and other related charges, sheriff’s officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Despite knowing and understanding the grave dangers associated with driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, Defendant Belt willfully chose to operate the subject vehicle while intoxicated at an unsafe and excessive rate of speed,” the complaint states.

From Los Angeles Times

"This means that the brains of our ancestors developed under the influence of a potent toxic metal, which may have shaped their social behavior and cognitive abilities over millennia."

From Science Daily

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, but there's a medical exemption providing patients have followed the dosages prescribed and do not feel impaired.

From BBC

Bohm was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and had no prior driving offenses before the deadly crash in his BMW, his attorney told the judge Monday in seeking to dismiss the murder charges.

From Los Angeles Times