1
general::
Phrase(s): make a dent in something
1. Lit. to make a depression in something. • I kicked the side of the car and made a dent in it. • Please don’t make a dent in the side of the house. 2. Fig. to use only a little of something; to make a small amount of progress with something. • Look at what’s left on your plate! You hardly made a dent in your dinner. • I’ve been slaving all day, and I have hardly made a dent in my work.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Begin to accomplish or consume something, as in I've barely made a dent in this pile of correspondence, or Help us put a dent in this pie. This metaphoric expression alludes to striking a blow to make a physical indentation in something.
American Heritage Idioms