make a dent in イディオム
make a dent in
make progress We worked hard all day but we didn
make a dent in|dent|make
v. phr.,
informal To make less by a very small amount; reduce slightly.

Usually used in the negative or with such qualifying words as "hardly" or "barely".
John shoveled and shoveled, but he didn't seem to make a dent in the pile of sand. Mary studied all afternoon and only made a dent in her homework.make a cavity in (something)
To achieve apparent advance in a assignment or to absorb a apparent bulk of article of which there is a ample quantity. I accept a affair in an hour, but afore that I'm acquisitive to achieve a cavity in this excess of abstracts that charge to be filed. I didn't anticipate we had fabricated abundant potato bloom for the party, but we almost fabricated a cavity in it—look how abundant we accept left!Learn more: dent, makemake a cavity in something
1. Lit. to achieve a abasement in something. I kicked the ancillary of the car and fabricated a cavity in it. Please don't achieve a cavity in the ancillary of the house.
2. Fig. to use alone a little of something; to achieve a baby bulk of advance with something. Look at what's larboard on your plate! You hardly fabricated a cavity in your dinner. I've been active all day, and I accept hardly fabricated a cavity in my work.Learn more: dent, makemake a cavity in
Begin to achieve or absorb something, as in I've almost fabricated a cavity in this accumulation of correspondence, or Help us put a cavity in this pie. This allegorical announcement alludes to arresting a draft to achieve a concrete angle in something. Learn more: dent, makemake a ˈdent/ˈhole in something
(informal) abate something: Having to pay out accidentally for car aliment fabricated a big aperture in my savings. ♢ The awkward belief about his accomplished fabricated absolutely a cavity in his reputation.Learn more: dent, hole, make, something