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.
Examples of put a damper on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Major businesses that have attempted to confront the administration’s tariffs push, such as Amazon and Walmart, have faced swift rebukes from the White House that may have put a damper on the willingness of other companies to speak up.
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Rob Wile, NBC news, 28 July 2025
However, shorter days of sullen, blustery weather—and nearly nonstop rain at times—can put a damper on outdoor exploration.
—Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Tariffs have thrown many businesses that rely on imports into a loop and put a damper on consumer sentiment.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
That slowdown, combined with the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs and any ensuing trade war, could put a damper on MSC’s profits.
—Giacomo Tognini, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put a damper on
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Rob Wile, NBC news, 28 July 2025
However, shorter days of sullen, blustery weather—and nearly nonstop rain at times—can put a damper on outdoor exploration.
—Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Tariffs have thrown many businesses that rely on imports into a loop and put a damper on consumer sentiment.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
That slowdown, combined with the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs and any ensuing trade war, could put a damper on MSC’s profits.
—Giacomo Tognini, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put a damper on
Cite this Entry
“Put a damper on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20a%20damper%20on. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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