# make all the difference

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-all-the-difference
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be a crucial or deciding factor; to have a very significant effect (often a positive one).

## Examples

- A little bit of kindness can make all the difference.
- Adding a few fresh herbs to the soup made all the difference in the final flavor.
- The extra funding for the research project made all the difference, allowing the team to complete their study ahead of schedule.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.