make a dent
Start making headway
To make a dent is to achieve noticeable progress on something large or difficult.
The image is of striking a hard surface—you haven't broken through, but you've left a mark: We've barely made a dent in the paperwork.
Often appears in the negative to emphasize how much remains: The donation didn't even make a dent in what they owe.
Forward progress achieved
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- inroadsGradual successful advances
- impactForceful contact or consequence
difference · impression · influence · effect · change · contribution · achievement · accomplishment
headway
Forward progress achieved
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- inroadsGradual successful advances
impact · difference · impression · influence · effect · change · contribution · achievement · accomplishment · stride
decrease
Become or make smaller
chip away at · eat into · whittle down · erode · shrink · drain · use up · draw down · consume · spend
ding
Small surface imperfection
- dimpleFacial skin depression
- depressionProlonged low state
- creaseLine from folding
nick · scratch · mark · deformation · divot · bend · buckle · crumple · blemish · gouge
- Steve Jobs quotesone more thing
make a dentspin one's wheels
Expend effort uselessly
tread water · hit a wall · stall out · go through the motions · go in circles
make, makes, made, making, maker, makers, dent, dents, dented