kibosh

American  

[kahy-bosh, ki-bosh] / ˈkaɪ bɒʃ, kɪˈbɒʃ /

noun

Informal.

1. nonsense.

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idioms

1. put the kibosh on, to put an end to; squelch; check.

   Another such injury may put the kibosh on her athletic career.

kibosh British  

/ ˈkaɪˌbɒʃ /

noun

1. to put a stop to; prevent from continuing; halt

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verb

1. (tr) to put a stop to

kibosh More Idioms  

1. see put the kibosh on.

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Etymology

Origin of kibosh

First recorded in 1830–40; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

But whether a listener calls for a boycott of Harbour’s projects or a kibosh on Allen’s music, they’re playing into Allen’s hand.

From Salon • Oct. 29, 2025

Erica Donald, Aaron’s wife of four years and mother of two children, did her best to put the kibosh on such speculation in a 16-second video Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 9, 2024

But so far ministers have been bullish, regarding pretty much all of these amendments as ultimately trying to kibosh their entire plan.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2024

Then in 2015, then-Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was scheduled to headline a fantasy football convention at the Venetian that the NFL put the kibosh on because it was on casino property.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

A long stretch of low, overcast skies at Cape Canaveral put the kibosh on two more scheduled launches, on January 20 and February 12,1962.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly