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.

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In theory, the Federal Reserve could put a damper on the crypto party by restricting financial leverage, hiking interest rates, or both. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 Inflated fees put a damper on summer travel, with more people either staying with friends or family or not traveling at all. Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024 Tariffs may put a damper on personal finances, but smart planning and diversification can help ensure investors are prepared for whatever comes next. Frank Holmes, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 But rising rates could put a damper on future sales. Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for put a damper on 

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Cite this Entry

“Put a damper on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20a%20damper%20on. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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