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Synonyms

put a damper on

Idioms  
  1. Discourage, dishearten, deter, as in Grandpa's death put a damper on our Christmas holidays. This idiom employs the noun damper in the sense of “something that damps or depresses the spirits,” a usage dating from the mid-1700s.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Critics warn they could put a damper on investment in the U.S. from the European Union and other places.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Kenvue has denied the claims, but investors have worried they will put a damper on Tylenol sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

High housing costs have long put a damper on sales.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

But a lot of music fans, this writer included, deal with disability, health and/or mobility issues that can put a damper on the typical festival experience.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

Nothing, not even Freddy and Teddy moaning and groaning as they filed off the bus, could put a damper on today.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova

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