put a damper on
idiom
: to make (something) less strong, active, or exciting
His bad mood put a damper on the celebration.
He was putting a bit of a damper on her spirits.
Examples of put a damper on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The reverse can be true, too, meaning that cuts in government spending can put a damper on the economy.
—
Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Think about portability Lugging a heavy or hard to carry beach umbrella or shade from your car and across a hot beach can certainly put a damper on your day.
—Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2025
Again, the absence of Woods and McIlroy undoubtedly will put a damper on TGL’s playoffs (March 17-18) and subsequent championship series the following week, but even with those two top draws on ice, the first season looks like a win for everyone involved.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Mar. 2025
By contrast, late winter and spring bloomers must not be pruned now because doing so would put a damper on their flower show.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put a damper on
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Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Think about portability Lugging a heavy or hard to carry beach umbrella or shade from your car and across a hot beach can certainly put a damper on your day.
—Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2025
Again, the absence of Woods and McIlroy undoubtedly will put a damper on TGL’s playoffs (March 17-18) and subsequent championship series the following week, but even with those two top draws on ice, the first season looks like a win for everyone involved.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Mar. 2025
By contrast, late winter and spring bloomers must not be pruned now because doing so would put a damper on their flower show.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put a damper on
Cite this Entry
“Put a damper on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20a%20damper%20on. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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