influence

area of influence

A realm, domain, or field over which a person, group, or business has direct control, influence, or clout. It refers to a military term for the geographical area in which a commander has direct military influence. As a literature professor, my primary obligation is to my classes; as head of this department, though, my area of influence extends to all students studying English.

See also: area, influence, of

backstairs influence

Influence from an ignoble source, typically one that is secret. Where did that idea come from? It's like someone has backstairs influence over you all of sudden!

See also: influence

under the influence

Intoxicated. A shortening of "under the influence of alcohol (or drugs)." The police pulled him over for driving under the influence.

See also: influence

under the influence of alcohol

Drunk. The police pulled him over for driving under the influence of alcohol.

See also: alcohol, influence, of

a (person) of substance

Someone who has a lot of power, money, or influence. I think my parents were disappointed that I chose not to marry a woman of substance, but they seem to have gotten over it. Despite being a humble shop owner, his interactions with every person of the community has made him a person of substance in the eyes of the people here.

See also: of, substance

*a hold on someone a strong

 and secure influence on someone

(*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone~.) The strange religion seemed to have a strong hold on its followers. The drug has a hold on the minds of those who use it.

See also: hold, on, strong

under the influence (of alcohol)

Euph. drunk; nearly drunk; affected by alcohol. She behaves quite rudely when under the influence of alcohol. Ed was stopped by a police officer for driving while under the influence.

See also: influence

under the influence

Impaired functioning owing to alcohol consumption, as in He was accused of driving under the influence. This expression, from legal jargon, is short for under the influence of intoxicating liquor and implies that one is not completely drunk. Since it is nearly always applied to drivers suspected or so accused, it has given rise to the police acronym DUI, for "driving under the influence." [Second half of 1800s]

See also: influence

under the influence

affected by alcoholic drink, especially beyond the legal limits for driving a vehicle; drunk. informal

See also: influence

under the ˈinfluence

(used of somebody driving a car) having had too much alcohol to drink: She was fined £500 for driving under the influence.

See also: influence

under the influence

Intoxicated, especially with alcohol.

See also: influence