instrumental in doing

instrumental in (doing) (something)

Particularly influential in causing something to happen. Anna was instrumental in getting both parties to finally agree to a deal. Tom is one of our very best lawyers. He was instrumental in the success of our merger. Of course my high school drama teacher was instrumental in my acting career—I never even would have pursued acting if it hadn't been for her.

See also: instrumental

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

instrumental in doing something

playing an important part in doing something. John was instrumental in getting the contract to build the new building. Our senator was instrumental in defeating the bill.

See also: instrumental

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.