make a difference — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To carry out an action, the result of which is a significant change, or an altered circumstance.

   Usage

   • idiomatic
   • Intransitive

   Synonyms

   move the needle

   Broader terms

   make all the difference

   Examples

   Near-synonym: move the needle

   I was hoping that, by volunteering at this refuge, I could make a difference, however small.

2. To be of importance; to matter.

   Usage

   • idiomatic
   • Intransitive

   Examples

   I don't think it makes a difference whether you come tonight or not.

   More examples (1)

   Increasingly, it does not make a difference—economically, at least—whether the husband or wife is the primary wage earner, or whether either or both of them work.