make a difference
Idioms-
Distinguish or discriminate. This phrase appears in the Bible (Leviticus 11:47): “To make a difference between the unclean and the clean.” [Late 1500s]
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Also, make the difference . Cause a change in effect, change the nature of something, as in His score on this test will make the difference between passing and failing , or These curtains sure make a difference in the lighting .
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Be important, matter, as in Her volunteer work made a difference in many lives . The antonym of this usage is make no difference , as in It makes no difference to me if we go immediately or in an hour . This usage appeared long ago in slightly different versions. Miles Coverdale's translation of the Bible of 1535 had it is no difference , and the converse, it makes great difference , was first recorded about 1470.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Enough to make a difference in what the Fed does?
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
We can’t be sure if that’s happening rapidly enough to make a difference, but it remains true that every decision we make now to lower emissions will help to create a more livable future.
From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2026
In 2022, the company installed a drainage pipe on the bay which it said it hoped at the time could "really make a difference".
From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026
But who is this really for, and does it make a difference?
From Slate ● Jul. 13, 2026
Many teachers felt that no matter how creative they were in the classroom, it wouldn’t make a difference anyway.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.