put a damper on (something)
To discourage, inhibit, or deter something; to make something less enjoyable, pleasant, or fun; to have a subduing or deadening effect on something. The foul weather really put a damper on our picnic yesterday. Without question, this tax scandal has put a damper on the senator's likelihood of being re-elected. The construction happening near our building has really put a damper on sales this month.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
put a damper on something
or put a dampener on something
BRITISHCOMMON If someone or something puts a damper on a situation, they stop it being as successful or as enjoyable as it could be. Unseasonably cool weather has put a damper on many plans for the day. Rooney's injury put a dampener on a fine victory for his team on Saturday. Note: This expression may refer to either of two meanings of `damper'. In a piano, a damper is a device which presses the strings and stops their sound. In a chimney, a damper is a movable metal plate which controls the amount of air getting to the fire, and so controls how fiercely the fire burns.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
put a ˈdamper on something
(also put a ˈdampener on something) (informal) make an event, etc. less enjoyable or cheerful: The news of my father’s illness put a bit of a damper on the birthday celebrations.A damper is a device in a piano that is used to reduce the level of the sound produced.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
put a damper on something
tv. to reduce the intensity of something, such as a problem. The death of the chief put a damper on the ceremony.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.