real dent

Frequency: 6.89.1 per million words

Used in a figurative sense to mean a significant negative impact or reduction.

dentADJECTIVE + dent

Categories:

real

Examples (10)

  • The unexpected repairs put a real dent in our savings for the month.
  • Losing their star player made a real dent in the team's chances of winning.
  • The scandal put a real dent in the politician's reputation.
  • A prolonged drought will make a real dent in the country's agricultural output.
  • That critical review seems to have made a real dent in the movie's box office performance.
  • The high cost of childcare puts a real dent in many families' budgets.
  • Do you think the new online competitor has made a real dent in our sales figures?
  • The stock market crash put a real dent in his retirement fund.
  • His harsh criticism didn't make a real dent in her confidence; she knew her work was good.
  • The company's recent layoffs have made a real dent in employee morale.