under their spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under their spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is captivated or enchanted by another person or thing, often implying a sense of control or influence. Example: "The magician's performance was so mesmerizing that the audience felt as if they were under his spell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Bailey is still under their spell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others have fallen under their spell.

The Guardian

But even a brief acquaintance puts you under their spell.

The New York Times - Books

Once under their spell, we can't see enough of them".

The New York Times

Paul Weller, of all people, fell under their spell and began releasing instrumentals to prove it.

The Guardian - Music

Lots of extra information about hummingbirds and their habits for those who fall under their spell.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Oculus programmers often talk, as Coleridge's fellow poets might have talked, about how to keep audiences under their spells.

The New York Times - Magazine

The elimination of surprises -- pleasant and unpleasant alike -- may be in some way reassuring to the most devout digital fanatics, and the brand managers who have fallen under their spells.

Huffington Post

After Nash, Gertler and Nevinson also fell under her spell, their rivalry spiralling into a painful rift.

The Guardian - Books

Henry had a vivacious style as a player – and Monaco had played with a similar devil-may-care attitude during their best spell under Jardim – but Henry undermined that approach by playing negative formations with too many central midfielders.

The Guardian - Sport

Bristol Rovers continued their impressive spell under new boss John Ward with victory at Oxford.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under their spell" to vividly describe situations where someone is strongly influenced or captivated, enhancing the emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "under their spell" when the influence is minor or insignificant; it's best suited for situations involving strong captivation or control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under their spell" functions as an idiomatic expression used adverbially to describe a state of being strongly influenced, captivated, or controlled. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Music

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "under their spell" is a versatile and evocative way to describe being strongly influenced or captivated by someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and literary works. While it can imply manipulation, it often signifies a more positive enchantment. When using the phrase, consider the intensity of influence you want to convey, and remember to avoid overstating its use in minor situations. Alternatives like "under their influence" or ""captivated by them"" can offer nuanced alternatives. Ultimately, "under their spell" remains a potent tool for vividly depicting captivation in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under their influence

Focuses on the power to affect someone's thoughts or actions.

captivated by them

Highlights the feeling of being charmed and attracted.

enthralled by them

Emphasizes a more intense level of fascination and absorption.

bewitched by them

Suggests a magical or irresistible attraction.

mesmerized by them

Implies a hypnotic or trancelike state of captivation.

under their control

Highlights the aspect of being directed or manipulated.

subject to their power

Emphasizes the dominance and authority of the influencing entity.

in their thrall

Indicates a state of complete subjugation and dependence.

swayed by their charm

Focuses on the persuasive and alluring qualities.

affected by their allure

Highlights the attractiveness and seductive nature of the entity.

FAQs

How can I use "under their spell" in a sentence?

You can use "under their spell" to describe a situation where someone is strongly influenced or captivated. For example, "The audience was completely "under their spell" during the performance".

What's a more formal alternative to "under their spell"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "under their influence" or "subject to their power" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "under their spell"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply manipulation, it can also describe a positive captivation, such as being "captivated by them" by a beautiful work of art or an inspiring speaker.

What's the difference between "under their spell" and "bewitched by them"?

"Under their spell" suggests a general state of influence or captivation, while "bewitched by them" implies a more magical or enchanting quality to the influence.