Having an Effect: English Vocabulary List

to leave a lasting negative effect on someone

"It left a bad taste."

"The way the company handled the layoffs left a bad taste in the mouths of many employees."

to accept unpleasant or difficult things or situations, such as criticism or misfortune, without complaining

"Take it on chin."

"Despite the harsh feedback, she decided to take the criticism on the chin."

to have a severe negative effect on someone or something, in a way that lasts for a long time

"Stress took a toll."

"The constant pressure of the demanding job began to take a toll on his mental well-being."

to perform actions or engage in behavior that is beneficial, helpful, or morally upright, often with the intention of making a positive impact on others or the world

"They do good deeds."

"Many charitable organizations strive to do good in communities worldwide through their various programs."

to have an influence on how someone behaves, particularly by making them seem too important or proud

"Fame turned his head."

"Despite his immense success, the artist managed not to let the fame turn his head."

to be an important factor in something

"I have a part."

"Every single member of the team will have a part to play in achieving our final goal."

(of a process or action) to have two opposite effects, particularly a good and a bad one

"It can cut both ways."

"Implementing stricter security measures might cut both ways, improving safety but potentially hindering convenience."

a person who causes trouble for others in a group and has a bad influence on them

"He is a rotten apple."

"The manager suspected that one rotten apple was responsible for the widespread negativity among the staff."

a situation where one problem brings about another and that only worsens the original problem

"Poverty creates a vicious circle."

"The vicious cycle of poverty was difficult to break without access to education and jobs."

to not have any personal gains in a particular situation

"I have no horse."

"As an impartial observer, I don't really have a horse in this particular race."

to feel or experience something intensely, particularly an emotion or sensation

"Fear coursed through veins."

"A surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins as she narrowly avoided the accident."

to have a powerful and lasting effect on someone or something

"She left her mark."

"The innovative scientist was determined to leave her mark on the field of renewable energy."

(of two things) to be closely connected to one another, particularly in a way that one of them causes the occurrence of another

"They go hand in hand."

"In many successful companies, innovation and hard work go hand in hand, as neither can truly thrive without the other."

an action or series of things that cause several other events to happen one after another

"It had a ripple effect."

"The unexpected announcement created a ripple effect, influencing decisions across several departments."

to behave in a way that expresses a particular attitude or feeling

"It struck a sad note."

"The politician's opening remarks struck a somber note, acknowledging the recent tragedy."

to have a significant impact or influence on something

"The new product is making inroads into the market."

"The new company is making inroads into the market that used to be dominated by a single brand."

to fail to have an influence or effect, particularly in changing someone's opinion about something opinion or decision

"It cut no ice."

"His weak arguments and flimsy evidence will likely cut little ice with the discerning jury."

rare or unusual cases that confirm the validity or effectiveness of a commonly accepted general principle or practice

"It is an exception."

"While most people dislike spicy food, his unusual preference for it is the exception that proves the rule."

a brief or sudden instance or occurrence of something particular, whether positive or negative

"A stroke of luck."

"Discovering the hidden compartment was a fortunate stroke of luck during the renovation project."

to harm or negatively affect someone or something

"It did a job."

"The relentless criticism from his peers really did a job on his confidence."

to end the influence or control that someone or something has over another person

"A loud noise broke the spell."

"The sudden phone call broke the spell of the romantic evening, bringing them both back to reality."

to do something important that will be remembered for a long time

"The astronaut made history."

"The astronaut made history by becoming the first woman to walk on the surface of the moon."

to experience a lot of problems, setbacks, damages, etc., as a result of something

"He took it on the chin."

"The small business owner had to take a lot on the chin during the economic downturn."

(of a process or action) to have two opposite effects, particularly a good and a bad one

"It cuts both ways."

"This new policy is controversial because its implementation is likely to cut both ways for different departments."