39 Idioms for Strength: Mastering Figurative Language

Idioms add color and depth to the English language, allowing speakers to express complex ideas in a concise and engaging way. Understanding idioms related to strength is crucial for both comprehension and effective communication.

These idioms often convey not just physical power, but also resilience, determination, and moral fortitude. This article provides a comprehensive guide to idioms for strength, suitable for English language learners, writers, and anyone looking to enrich their vocabulary and communication skills.

By exploring these idioms, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the English language and enhance your ability to express yourself with greater precision and impact.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of Idioms for Strength
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Idioms for Strength
  • Physical Strength
  • Mental Strength
  • Emotional Strength
  • Moral Strength
  • Strength in Numbers
• Examples of Idioms for Strength
  • Physical Strength Examples
  • Mental Strength Examples
  • Emotional Strength Examples
  • Moral Strength Examples
  • Strength in Numbers Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
  • Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
  • Exercise 2: Matching
  • Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Idioms for Strength

Idioms for strength are figurative expressions that use metaphorical language to convey the concept of power, resilience, or fortitude. These idioms often go beyond literal meanings, employing imagery and symbolism to represent various aspects of strength, whether physical, mental, emotional, or moral.

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. Understanding idioms is crucial because they are frequently used in everyday conversation, literature, and other forms of communication.

Therefore, mastering idioms related to strength enhances one’s ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English.

These idioms can be classified based on the type of strength they represent. For instance, idioms like “strong as an ox” refer to physical power, while idioms like “iron will” denote mental fortitude.

The function of these idioms is to add color and emphasis to language, making it more expressive and engaging. They are used in various contexts, from informal conversations to formal writing, depending on the specific idiom and its appropriateness for the situation.

Structural Breakdown

Idioms, by their very nature, defy straightforward structural analysis in the same way as regular grammatical constructions. Their meaning derives from convention and usage rather than a direct combination of the meanings of their constituent words.

However, we can examine some common structural patterns found in idioms for strength:

* **Similes:** Many idioms for strength utilize similes, comparing someone or something to a strong entity. For example, “as strong as an ox” directly compares someone’s strength to that of an ox. The structure typically follows the pattern: “as [adjective] as [noun].”
* **Metaphors:** Other idioms employ metaphors, where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. An example is “a pillar of strength,” where a person is metaphorically described as a pillar, representing their supportive and resilient nature.
* **Fixed Phrases:** Some idioms are fixed phrases with a specific structure that cannot be altered without changing the meaning or rendering the idiom nonsensical. For example, “to stand one’s ground” has a specific word order and cannot be rearranged.
* **Verbal Idioms:** These idioms involve verbs that, when combined with other words, create a figurative meaning related to strength. Examples include “to hold one’s own” and “to weather the storm.”

Understanding these structural patterns can help learners recognize and interpret idioms for strength more effectively. While the meaning cannot be determined solely from the structure, recognizing common patterns can provide clues and aid in comprehension.

It is important to remember that the meaning of an idiom is conventional and must be learned through exposure and practice.

Types and Categories of Idioms for Strength

Idioms for strength can be categorized based on the type of strength they represent. This categorization helps in understanding the different facets of strength and how they are expressed through figurative language.

Physical Strength

These idioms refer to the body’s ability to exert force or withstand physical challenges. They often use imagery of animals, objects, or actions associated with power and resilience.

Mental Strength

Mental strength idioms describe the ability to think clearly, make sound judgments, and maintain focus under pressure. They often involve concepts of intellect, determination, and resilience.

Emotional Strength

These idioms relate to the capacity to manage and cope with emotions, especially during difficult times. They often involve imagery of stability, resilience, and inner fortitude.

Moral Strength

Moral strength idioms refer to the ability to adhere to ethical principles and act with integrity, even when faced with challenges or temptations. They often involve concepts of courage, righteousness, and conviction.

Strength in Numbers

These idioms emphasize the power that comes from collective action or support. They often involve imagery of unity, cooperation, and solidarity.

Examples of Idioms for Strength

This section provides a comprehensive list of idioms for strength, categorized by type, with examples to illustrate their usage.

Physical Strength Examples

The following table provides examples of idioms related to physical strength, with their meanings and example sentences.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Strong as an ox	Very strong physically.	He’s as strong as an ox; he can lift those heavy boxes with ease.
Built like a brick house	Having a strong, sturdy physique.	The wrestler was built like a brick house, making him a formidable opponent.
Muscle in on	To use physical force or threats to get involved in something.	The gang tried to muscle in on the local businesses, demanding protection money.
Brawn over brains	Prioritizing physical strength over intelligence.	In that situation, it was brawn over brains; they needed someone who could move heavy objects quickly.
Carry the weight of the world on one’s shoulders	To feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and burdens.	After the company’s failure, he felt like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Fit as a fiddle	In excellent physical condition.	Despite his age, he’s as fit as a fiddle and still runs marathons.
Have the strength of a lion	Possessing great physical power.	The athlete seems to have the strength of a lion, breaking all previous records.
In good shape	Being in good physical condition.	He works out regularly to stay in good shape.
Like a rock	Steady and dependable, often in a physical sense.	He stood like a rock against the strong winds.
Made of iron	Having exceptional physical endurance.	The marathon runner seemed to be made of iron, never tiring throughout the race.
On one’s last legs	Weak or near collapse, often physically.	The old chair was on its last legs and needed to be replaced.
Power through	To push through something difficult using physical strength.	Despite the pain, he powered through the last mile of the race.
Robust health	Excellent physical health.	She enjoys robust health and rarely gets sick.
Solid as a rock	Strong and stable, physically reliable.	The foundation of the building is solid as a rock.
Toughen up	To become physically stronger and more resilient.	The training camp is designed to toughen up the recruits.
With all one’s might	Using all available physical strength.	He pushed the door open with all his might.
A tower of strength	Someone who provides strong support to others.	During the crisis, she was a tower of strength for her family.
Stand tall	To maintain a strong and upright posture, physically or metaphorically.	Even after the injury, he tried to stand tall and show no weakness.
Have broad shoulders	To be able to carry heavy burdens or responsibilities.	He has broad shoulders and can handle the pressures of leadership.
Strong-armed	To use force or coercion to get something done.	The company strong-armed the smaller businesses into accepting their terms.
Stamina of a horse	Having great endurance and physical energy.	The long-distance cyclist has the stamina of a horse.
As tough as nails	Extremely strong and resilient, both physically and emotionally.	The old boxer was as tough as nails, never giving up despite the injuries.
Able-bodied	Physically fit and capable of doing physical work.	The construction crew needed able-bodied workers for the heavy lifting.
In the pink	In excellent health and spirits.	After a good vacation, she came back in the pink.
Full of vim and vigor	Full of energy and enthusiasm.	The young dancer was full of vim and vigor during the performance.
Keep in shape	To maintain good physical condition through exercise and diet.	It’s important to keep in shape to stay healthy.
Like a well-oiled machine	Functioning smoothly and efficiently, often used to describe physical performance.	The team worked like a well-oiled machine to complete the project on time.

Mental Strength Examples

The following table provides examples of idioms related to mental strength, with their meanings and example sentences.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Iron will	Unwavering determination and resolve.	She has an iron will and never gives up on her goals.
Sharp as a tack	Very intelligent and quick-witted.	He’s as sharp as a tack and always comes up with clever solutions.
Mind over matter	Using mental strength to overcome physical challenges.	He used mind over matter to finish the marathon despite the pain.
Keep a cool head	To remain calm and composed in a stressful situation.	It’s important to keep a cool head in emergencies.
Have a thick skin	To be insensitive to criticism or insults.	You need to have a thick skin to survive in this industry.
Stay the course	To continue with a plan or action despite difficulties.	Despite the setbacks, he stayed the course and achieved his objective.
Grit your teeth	To face a difficult situation with determination.	She had to grit her teeth and get through the tough times.
Take the bull by the horns	To confront a problem directly and decisively.	He decided to take the bull by the horns and address the issue head-on.
Power of conviction	The strength of one’s beliefs and determination.	Her power of conviction inspired others to join the cause.
Resourceful	Able to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.	She’s very resourceful and can always find a solution to any problem.
Think on one’s feet	To react quickly and effectively to unexpected situations.	You need to be able to think on your feet in this job.
Unflappable	Remaining calm and composed, especially in a crisis.	The pilot was unflappable during the emergency landing.
Have a strong will	Possessing great determination and willpower.	He has a strong will and never gives up easily.
Keep one’s wits about them	To stay alert and aware of one’s surroundings.	It’s important to keep your wits about you when traveling alone.
Level-headed	Calm and rational, especially in difficult situations.	The manager is level-headed and always makes fair decisions.
Of sound mind	Mentally competent and rational.	The contract required that the signer be of sound mind.
Have nerves of steel	To remain calm and courageous in dangerous situations.	The bomb disposal expert had nerves of steel.
Master of one’s own mind	Having control over one’s thoughts and actions.	Through meditation, he became the master of his own mind.
A sharp mind	An intelligent and perceptive intellect.	She has a sharp mind and quickly understands complex concepts.
Perseverance pays off	Continuing to work towards a goal despite difficulties leads to success.	Despite the challenges, she knew perseverance pays off, so she kept going.
Get a grip	To regain control of one’s emotions or behavior.	After the initial shock, he told himself to get a grip and start planning.
Keep your chin up	To remain positive and hopeful despite difficulties.	Even though things were tough, she told herself to keep her chin up.
Mental fortitude	Strength of mind that allows someone to endure pain or hardship with courage.	The soldiers demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude during the long march.
Tenacity of a bulldog	Persistent determination and unwillingness to give up.	The lawyer had the tenacity of a bulldog, fighting tirelessly for his client.
Withstand the test of time	To remain strong and effective even after a long period.	The principles of democracy have withstood the test of time.
Resilient spirit	The ability to bounce back quickly from difficulties.	Despite the setbacks, she showed a resilient spirit and never lost hope.

Emotional Strength Examples

The following table provides examples of idioms related to emotional strength, with their meanings and example sentences.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Weather the storm	To survive a difficult period or crisis.	The company managed to weather the storm and emerged stronger.
Stand tall	To remain confident and courageous in the face of adversity.	She stood tall despite the criticism.
Keep it together	To maintain emotional composure.	He tried to keep it together after hearing the bad news.
Hold one’s head high	To maintain dignity and self-respect, even in difficult situations.	She held her head high despite the rumors.
Pick yourself up	To recover from a setback or disappointment.	After failing the exam, he needed to pick himself up and try again.
Find your feet	To become comfortable and confident in a new situation.	It took her a while to find her feet in the new job.
Rise above	To overcome negative emotions or difficult circumstances.	She tried to rise above the negativity and focus on her goals.
Put on a brave face	To pretend to be happy or unaffected by a difficult situation.	He put on a brave face despite feeling devastated.
Take heart	To feel encouraged or hopeful.	Take heart; things will get better.
Show resilience	To demonstrate the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.	The community showed resilience after the disaster.
Tough it out	To endure a difficult situation with determination.	They decided to tough it out and see if things improved.
Turn the other cheek	To choose not to retaliate when someone has wronged you.	He decided to turn the other cheek and forgive his friend.
Bounce back	To recover quickly from a setback.	She has the ability to bounce back from any challenge.
Carry on	To continue despite difficulties.	Despite the challenges, he decided to carry on with his work.
Dig deep	To make a great effort, especially when tired or discouraged.	He had to dig deep to finish the race.
Grin and bear it	To accept a difficult situation with good humor and without complaint.	Even though the job was tough, she decided to grin and bear it.
Keep a stiff upper lip	To remain stoic and unemotional in the face of adversity.	The British are known for keeping a stiff upper lip in difficult times.
Find inner strength	To discover a personal reserve of courage and resilience.	During the crisis, she had to find inner strength to cope.
Pluck up courage	To force oneself to be brave enough to do something.	He had to pluck up courage to ask her out on a date.
Steel oneself	To prepare oneself emotionally for something unpleasant.	She steeled herself before hearing the bad news.
Put your best foot forward	To make a good impression and show your best qualities.	She always tries to put her best foot forward in interviews.
Take things in stride	To deal with problems or difficulties calmly and without getting upset.	He learned to take things in stride after years of dealing with stressful situations.
Keep your spirits up	To remain cheerful and optimistic despite difficulties.	Even though the situation was dire, she tried to keep her spirits up.
Develop a thick skin	To become less sensitive to criticism or insults.	You need to develop a thick skin to survive in this industry.
Find solace	To seek comfort or consolation in a time of distress.	She found solace in her friends and family after the loss.
Channel one’s energy	To direct one’s efforts and emotions into a specific activity.	He channeled his energy into writing after the breakup.

Moral Strength Examples

The following table provides examples of idioms related to moral strength, with their meanings and example sentences.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Stand up for what you believe in	To defend your principles and values.	She always stands up for what she believes in, even when it’s unpopular.
Take the high road	To act in a morally correct way, even when it’s difficult.	He decided to take the high road and forgive his enemy.
Have the courage of your convictions	To act according to your beliefs, even when facing opposition.	She had the courage of her convictions and spoke out against injustice.
Stick to your guns	To maintain your position or opinion despite opposition.	He stuck to his guns and refused to compromise his principles.
Walk the talk	To act in accordance with your stated beliefs.	He’s a true leader; he walks the talk and leads by example.
Be true to yourself	To act in accordance with your own values and beliefs.	It’s important to be true to yourself, no matter what others think.
Do the right thing	To act in a morally correct way.	Even though it was difficult, he knew he had to do the right thing.
Have a strong moral compass	To have a clear sense of right and wrong.	She has a strong moral compass and always makes ethical decisions.
Live by the golden rule	To treat others as you would like to be treated.	He tries to live by the golden rule in all his interactions.
Stand firm	To remain resolute and unwavering in your beliefs.	She stood firm in her commitment to justice.
Uphold one’s principles	To maintain and defend one’s moral standards.	He always upholds his principles, even when it’s challenging.
Have integrity	To possess strong moral principles and honesty.	The company valued employees who had integrity and honesty.
Honesty is the best policy	Being truthful is the best approach in the long run.	He believed that honesty is the best policy in all situations.
Take a moral stand	To publicly express and defend one’s moral beliefs.	She decided to take a moral stand against the company’s unethical practices.
Have backbone	To possess strength of character and courage.	The politician showed that he had backbone by voting against the popular bill.
Stand for justice	To support and advocate for fairness and equality.	The organization stands for justice and fights against discrimination.
Righteous indignation	A feeling of anger caused by unfair treatment.	She felt righteous indignation when she learned about the company’s unfair labor practices.
A man/woman of his/her word	Someone who keeps their promises and commitments.	He is a man of his word and always follows through on his promises.
Walk the straight and narrow	To live an honest and morally upright life.	He decided to walk the straight and narrow after his past mistakes.
Rise above temptation	To resist the urge to do something wrong or unethical.	She managed to rise above temptation and make the right decision.
Maintain composure	To remain calm and in control of one’s emotions, especially in difficult situations.	The negotiator maintained composure throughout the tense discussions.
Behave with propriety	To conduct oneself in a manner that is socially acceptable and respectful.	Guests are expected to behave with propriety at the formal event.
Act with decorum	To behave in a polite and restrained manner.	The diplomats acted with decorum during the sensitive negotiations.
Do one’s duty	To fulfill one’s obligations and responsibilities.	The soldier felt it was his duty to protect his country.
Set an example	To behave in a way that others can admire and follow.	Parents should set a good example for their children.
Have a sense of fair play	To behave honestly and fairly in all situations.	The athletes showed a sense of fair play during the competition.

Strength in Numbers Examples

The following table provides examples of idioms related to strength in numbers, with their meanings and example sentences.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
There’s strength in numbers	A group is more powerful than an individual.	We’ll be more effective if we work together; there’s strength in numbers.
United we stand, divided we fall	Unity provides strength, while division leads to failure.	We need to work together; united we stand, divided we fall.
Band together	To unite or work together for a common purpose.	The community banded together to support the local school.
Join forces	To combine efforts or resources.	The two companies decided to join forces to develop the new technology.
All for one, one for all	Everyone supports each other in a group.	The team’s motto was all for one, one for all.
In unity there is strength	Being united provides power and resilience.	The protesters believed that in unity there is strength.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link	The strength of a group depends on the strength of each individual.	We need to support each other; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Two heads are better than one	Collaboration leads to better ideas and solutions.	Let’s work together; two heads are better than one.
Many hands make light work	A task is easier when many people help.	We’ll finish faster if we all pitch in; many hands make light work.
Strength lies in numbers	The power of a group is greater than that of an individual.	They knew that strength lies in numbers, so they rallied the community.
Work in concert	To work together harmoniously.	The musicians worked in concert to create a beautiful symphony.
Act in unison	To act together in a coordinated way.	The dancers acted in unison during the performance.
Pull together	To work together towards a common goal.	The team needed to pull together to win the championship.
Stand shoulder to shoulder	To support each other in a united front.	The workers stood shoulder to shoulder during the strike.
Form a coalition	To create an alliance for a specific purpose.	The political parties formed a coalition to challenge the government.
Hang together, or hang separately	Cooperation is essential for survival.	We need to cooperate, or we’ll all fail; hang together, or hang separately.
Collective effort	A joint endeavor by a group of people.	The project required a collective effort from everyone involved.
Community spirit	A sense of unity and cooperation within a community.	The town was known for its strong community spirit.
A team effort	A collaborative effort by a group of people.	The success of the project was due to a team effort.
In numbers there is safety	Being in a group provides protection and security.	They traveled in a group because in numbers there is safety.
Strength of the pack	The combined power and support of a group.	The team relied on the strength of the pack to overcome challenges.
A force to be reckoned with	A group or entity that is powerful and influential.	The united protesters became a force to be reckoned with.
Rally together	To come together in support of a cause or goal.	The community rallied together to help the victims of the disaster.
Solidarity forever	A commitment to continued unity and support.	The union members chanted “Solidarity forever!” during the rally.
Common cause	A shared goal or purpose that unites people.	The environmental groups found a common cause in protecting the forest.
In league with	Working together with someone, often secretly.	The detective suspected that the suspect was in league with the criminal organization.

Usage Rules

Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and contexts. Here are some general rules to follow:

* **Context is Key:** Idioms are highly context-dependent. The same idiom can have different meanings or connotations depending on the situation.
* **Word Order:** The word order in an idiom is usually fixed. Changing the order can alter the meaning or make the idiom nonsensical.
* **Verb Tense:** When using verbal idioms, ensure that the verb tense is appropriate for the sentence.
* **Audience:** Consider your audience when using idioms. Some idioms may be unfamiliar to non-native speakers or those from different cultural backgrounds.
* **Formality:** Be mindful of the level of formality. Some idioms are more appropriate for informal settings, while others are suitable for formal contexts.

It is also important to avoid overusing idioms, as this can make your language sound unnatural or forced. Use them sparingly and strategically to enhance your communication.

Common Mistakes

Learners often make mistakes when using idioms due to a lack of understanding of their figurative meanings or incorrect application of grammatical rules. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He is strong like an ox.	He is as strong as an ox.	The correct idiom is “as strong as an ox,” not “strong like an ox.”
She has a big skin.	She has a thick skin.	The idiom is “thick skin,” referring to being insensitive to criticism.
They weathered the rain.	They weathered the storm.	The idiom is “weather the storm,” meaning to survive a difficult period.
He stood up for which he believes.	He stood up for what he believes in.	The correct idiom is stood up for what he believes in,” using “what” instead of “which.”
United we stand, divided we are falling.	United we stand, divided we fall.	The correct idiom is “united we stand, divided we fall,” not “divided we are falling.”

Another common mistake is interpreting idioms literally. Remember that idioms have figurative meanings that differ from the literal meanings of their words.

Always consider the context and the intended message when interpreting idioms.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms for strength with the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate idiom for strength.

1. Despite the challenges, she decided to __________ and continue her education. (weather the storm / take the high road)
   Answer: weather the storm
2. He always __________ for what he believes in, no matter the consequences. (stands tall / stands up)
   Answer: stands up
3. The team had to __________ to win the championship. (pull together / fall apart)
   Answer: pull together
4. She has an __________ and never gives up on her goals. (iron will / soft heart)
   Answer: iron will
5. The community decided to __________ to support the local school. (band together / break apart)
   Answer: band together
6. After failing the exam, he needed to __________ and try again. (pick himself up / give up)
   Answer: pick himself up
7. He’s __________ and always comes up with clever solutions. (sharp as a tack / dull as a knife)
   Answer: sharp as a tack
8. The negotiator __________ throughout the tense discussions. (maintained composure / lost his cool)
   Answer: maintained composure
9. The athlete seems to __________ , breaking all previous records. (have the strength of a lion / be weak as a kitten)
   Answer: have the strength of a lion
10. Even though the job was tough, she decided to __________. (grin and bear it / complain constantly)
    Answer: grin and bear it

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the idioms with their meanings.

Idiom	Meaning
1. Strong as an ox	A. To remain calm and composed in a stressful situation
2. Keep a cool head	B. Very strong physically
3. Take the high road	C. To survive a difficult period or crisis
4. Weather the storm	D. To act in a morally correct way, even when it’s difficult
5. United we stand, divided we fall	E. Unity provides strength, while division leads to failure

Answers:

1. 1 – B
2. 2 – A
3. 3 – D
4. 4 – C
5. 5 – E

Exercise 3: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences using the idioms provided below.

Idioms: *stick to your guns, stand shoulder to shoulder, mind over matter, power through, tough as nails*

1. Despite the pain, he used __________ to finish the race.
   Answer: mind over matter
2. The workers decided to __________ during the strike.
   Answer: stand shoulder to shoulder
3. She decided to __________ and refused to compromise her principles.
   Answer: stick to your guns
4. The old boxer was __________, never giving up despite the injuries.
   Answer: tough as nails
5. Despite the setbacks, he decided to __________ and complete the project.
   Answer: power through

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the etymology and cultural context of idioms can provide a deeper understanding of their meanings and usage. Researching the origins of idioms like “strong as an ox” or “weather the storm” can reveal interesting insights into historical perspectives on strength and resilience.

Additionally, analyzing the use of idioms in literature and media can enhance comprehension and appreciation of figurative language. Pay attention to how authors and speakers use idioms to convey complex ideas and evoke emotions in their audiences.

FAQ

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words it contains. It has a figurative meaning that is different from its literal meaning.

Why is it important to learn idioms?

Learning idioms is important because they are frequently used in everyday conversation, literature, and other forms of communication. Understanding idioms enhances one’s ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English.

How can I improve my understanding of idioms?

To improve your understanding of idioms, read widely, listen to native speakers, and practice using idioms in your own speech and writing. Pay attention to the context in which idioms are used and look up the meanings of unfamiliar idioms.

Are idioms the same in all English-speaking countries?

No, idioms can vary between different English-speaking countries and regions. Some idioms may be more common in one country than in another.

Can I use idioms in formal writing?

The appropriateness of using idioms in formal writing depends on the specific idiom and the context. Some idioms are suitable for formal writing, while others are more appropriate for informal settings.

Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when deciding whether to use an idiom.

Conclusion

Mastering idioms for strength enhances your ability to express complex ideas with color and precision. By understanding the different types and categories of strength, such as physical, mental, emotional, and moral, you can use idioms to add depth and nuance to your communication.

Practice using these idioms in various contexts to become more fluent and confident in your English language skills. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality when using idioms, and avoid common mistakes by paying attention to context and word order.

With continued practice and exposure, you can effectively incorporate idioms for strength into your vocabulary and communicate with greater impact.