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
Still, there is one specific downside that can really put a damper on my seasonal bliss—a sunburnt scalp.
—
Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 6 May 2025
Radek Faksa scored his first of the playoffs with just 35 seconds left in the second period, which certainly put a damper on the home crowd heading into the third.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025
The rain attempted to put a damper on the festivities, but everyone came prepared (the venue was covered, and umbrellas were held to keep the couple dry), allowing the ceremony and reception to go forward in a grand and beautiful way.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
That can strain family dynamics and, as in Ms. Shaw’s experience, put a damper on socializing.
—Eric Berger, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put a damper on
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Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 6 May 2025
Radek Faksa scored his first of the playoffs with just 35 seconds left in the second period, which certainly put a damper on the home crowd heading into the third.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025
The rain attempted to put a damper on the festivities, but everyone came prepared (the venue was covered, and umbrellas were held to keep the couple dry), allowing the ceremony and reception to go forward in a grand and beautiful way.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
That can strain family dynamics and, as in Ms. Shaw’s experience, put a damper on socializing.
—Eric Berger, New York Times, 12 Feb. 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 18 May. 2025.
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