to leave a mark
26
3.9
- phrasal verb
- /liːv ə mɑrk/
- Informal
- Things like this, given or received, were what he thought left a mark on a person's life.
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Watch on YouTubeBut he really left a mark on, well, more than one mark on this world.
- But he really left a mark on, well, more than one mark on this world.
- But make no mistake, he left a mark on the House of Representatives in my view.
- What is really what really leaves a mark is the criticism to your craft and your work.
- So if anything, I hope to leave a mark of like, I, I, you can talk about things and still, still and, and not have to sacrifice any pride.
Examples
-
While historical events quickly overwhelmed his legacy, the name Edward Arista Vincent belongs among those professionals who sought to make a life in the South and leave a mark on the region.
Academic text (2011) -
The point of the exercise was to show them that even if you didn't mean to leave a mark on someone, you do, and despite your best efforts, you can't always reverse the change you've caused in someone.
Blog text (11) -
Perhaps the episode left a mark on his life forever.
Fiction book (1993) -
The past always leaves a mark.
Academic text (2007) -
But make no mistake, he left a mark on the House of Representatives in my view.
-
It gives you such a sense of joy to know you are in some way leaving a mark in someone else's life.
Blog text (17) -
His inspiring speech left a mark on everyone in the audience.
-
The charity event aimed to leave a mark on the local community.
-
Great leaders often leave a mark that influences future generations.
Synonyms
∞
3.0
To cause a change in a person or thing
305
3.4
To have a strong effect on someone or something
45
5.5
To make someone suddenly understand how serious something is
10
6.2
To make a clear change in results or numbers
8
4.1
To get noticed for your work in an area, for example in art or business
2
6.4
To make someone feel a strong personal connection
1
4.8
Get recognition and success in a field
Antonyms
How Impactful
51
6.6
478
3.4
- Informal
26
3.9
∞
1.0
86
3.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to have a lasting impact' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'leave' (to cause or let remain) with 'mark' (a trace or scar), so a learner who knows the constituent words can infer the metaphor of leaving a visible or emotional trace. This literal-to-metaphorical extension is common across languages and follows a straightforward compositional pattern, making it readily understandable at B1.
Etymology
Leave a mark comes from a simple image: to leave something behind and a mark is a visible sign, like a stain or scratch. So when a person or event makes a sign that stays, we say they 'have a lasting impact', which is why leave a mark means to make a long-lasting effect.