make a difference in

make a difference in (someone or something)

1. To effect a specific change in someone or something. It won't make a difference in our estimated date of release, but I think this new production method will end up saving us a great deal of money in the end. Our new advertising campaign hasn't made much difference in the numbers of people coming to the shows.

2. To make a significant, typically positive impact on someone or something. Graduates, each and every one of you can make a difference in this world. You can reshape the future! I can tell that the counseling has made a difference in Tom—his mood and behavior have been much better recently.

See also: difference, make

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

make a difference in someone or something

to cause a noticeable change in someone or something. Getting a job made a big difference in my lifestyle. His mother's death made a difference in his attitude toward doctors.

See also: difference, make

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