Put a damper on

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Meaning

To dampen or spoil the mood, cooling the fun.

Origin

From 18th-century Britain, tied to fire; 'damper' cut flames, slang by 1740s for spoil. A 1789 'Times' uses it for a rained-out fête.

Variants

  • Damper on

Usage Examples

  • Rain put a damper on our picnic.
  • His grump put a damper on the party.
  • Put a damper on; don't ruin it!

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