# put a damper on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-a-damper-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To stop people from enjoying an activity.

## Examples

- The rain put a damper on our picnic.
- The sudden news about the budget cuts put a damper on the team's celebration.
- The unexpected arrival of the inspectors put a damper on the festivities, forcing the staff to abandon their lighthearted mood and return to work.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.