lower the boom

phrase

: to deal a crushing blow or punishment

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lower the boom was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Lower the boom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lower%20the%20boom. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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