impression

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first impression

The initial, introductory evaluation upon meeting a person, encountering something, or experiencing a situation for the first time. I had a bad first impression of the job when, on my very first day, the boss humiliated me in front of everyone in the office. I didn't have a great first impression of Steve, but we ended up becoming very close friends.

be under the impression that

To be living, operating, or functioning with the belief that something is true. Jeremy's always been under the impression that he's a great writer, even though he's never written more than a few crummy poems. Oh, I was under the impression that we were meeting at two—did that change?

make an impression

To have or create a strong impact on someone, whether good or bad (usually specified by an adjective before "impression.") Make sure you brush your hair and wear a clean suit—you want to make a good impression on your first day in the office. It's clear that the defendant's impassioned speech made a strong impression on the jury.

under the impression

Holding the assumption or belief (that something is true). Oh, sorry, I was under the impression that you two were a couple. My mistake. A: "Aren't you planning on retiring soon?" B: "Why would you be under that impression?"

leave an impression

To have or create a strong impact on someone, whether good or bad (usually specified by an adjective before "impression.") Make sure you brush your hair and wear a clean suit—you want to leave a good impression on your first day in the office. It's clear that the defendant's impassioned speech left a strong impression on the jury.

First impressions are the most lasting.

Prov. People will remember the way you appear when you first meet them, so it is important to look and act your best when you meet someone for the first time. George spent two hours picking just the right clothes to wear when he met the head of the law firm, since he knew that first impressions are the most lasting.

See also: first, impression, lasting, most

leave an impression (on someone)

and leave someone with an impression

Fig. to provide a lasting memory for someone after one has left. (Akin to make an impression on someone.) Her performance was less than stunning. She didn't leave a very good impression on us.

make an impression on someone

to produce a positive memorable effect on someone while one is present. (Akin to leave an impression (on someone).) Tom made quite an impression on the banker.

make an impression

Produce a strong effect on one. This phrase is often qualified with an adjective such as good, bad, strong, or the like. For example, He tried to make a good impression on his girlfriend's parents, or Be careful or you'll make a bad impression on the jury, or You made quite an impression with that speech. [Mid-1600s]

under the impression

Thinking, assuming, or believing something, as in I was under the impression that they were coming today. This idiom often suggests that the idea or belief one had is mistaken. [Mid-1800s]

be under the imˈpression that...

believe, usually wrongly, that...: I was under the impression you were coming tomorrow, not today.