Make, etc. a dent in something

Pro Tip 1/3

Unwanted Reduction

Used to describe small progress in reducing something negative or excessive.

We need more than a few volunteers to actually make a dent in the city's pollution.

Pro Tip 2/3

Minimal Impact

Implies that while there is some impact, it might not be very significant.

The discount barely made a dent in the overall price.

Pro Tip 3/3

Figurative Use

It's usually metaphorical, not about physical dents.

Despite our efforts, we hardly made a dent in public opinion.