hacer presa en

hacer presa en
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
a. to prey on the mind of
La alta responsabilidad del cargo hizo presa en José, y cometió muchos errores.The high responsibility of the job preyed on Jose's mind, and he made many mistakes.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
El pánico hizo presa en la gente que trataba de salir del edificio en llamas.The people who were trying to get out of the burning building were panic-stricken.
El agua arrastraba a Camila mar adentro. El miedo hizo presa en ella.The water was dragging Camila out to sea. She was seized with fear.
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