curb enthusiasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curb enthusiasm" is not correct; it should be "curb your enthusiasm." You can use it when advising someone to temper their excitement or expectations. Example: "I know you're excited about the project, but let's curb your enthusiasm until we have more details." Alternative expressions include "tone down enthusiasm" and "restrain enthusiasm."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

So the failure is likely to curb enthusiasm for a novel approach to aid in smoking cessation.

The New York Times

Concerns over the risk involved in some UK developments may also curb enthusiasm for off-plan investment.

The Guardian

An opening slide on Wall Street has failed to curb enthusiasm in London, despite increasing jitters in Asia that the Chinese stock market is heading into bubble territory.

The Guardian

And there were plenty of occasions when The Industry Standard and others did diligently expose practices of tech and financial companies that seemed less than above-board; we wrote about questionable sales tactics at America Online and tried to curb enthusiasm for Priceline's discount grocery service, which has since failed.

The New York Times

Despite fears that slow rebel progress on the ground and mounting bills for bombing raids will curb enthusiasm in Western capitals, Britain and France, leading members of NATO, have pledged that they will continue for as long as needed.

Huffington Post

From time to time it was necessary to curb enthusiasm from wards that wanted to participate in the study, and physicians who wanted to use the algorithm outside the ICU.

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Sterling K. Brown, Brooklyn Nine-Nine Bryan Cranston, Curb Your Enthusiasm Donald Glover, Saturday Night Live Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live Lin-Manuel Miranda, Curb Your Enthusiasm Katt Williams, Atlanta.

Vice

"Curb Your Enthusiasm"?

The New York Times

Larry David in "Curb Your Enthusiasm"?

The New York Times - Arts

Well curb your enthusiasm.

The Guardian

Watch an episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasm".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "curb enthusiasm", consider adding a possessive pronoun (your, their, his, her) for clarity. For example, "curb your enthusiasm" is often more direct and grammatically complete than simply "curb enthusiasm".

Common error

While "curb enthusiasm" is generally understood, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for alternatives like "hold your horses" or "take it easy" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curb enthusiasm" functions as a directive, often used to advise or caution someone to moderate their excitement or eagerness. As noted by Ludwig AI, adding a possessive pronoun clarifies its meaning, and examples show its use in contexts ranging from scientific studies to political commentary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "curb enthusiasm" is used to advise moderation in excitement, predominantly appearing in news and media and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's often clearer with a possessive pronoun, such as "curb your enthusiasm". While grammatically acceptable, its formality may not suit casual conversations. Related phrases include "restrain enthusiasm" and "dampen enthusiasm", offering similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity. Overall, understanding the appropriate register and context is key to effectively using "curb enthusiasm".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrain enthusiasm

Implies a deliberate effort to hold back or control one's excitement.

dampen enthusiasm

Suggests a reduction in enthusiasm, making it less intense.

tone down enthusiasm

Indicates a softening or moderating of excitement.

temper enthusiasm

Highlights the need to moderate or balance excitement with caution.

curtail enthusiasm

Emphasizes a reduction or limitation of enthusiasm.

moderate enthusiasm

Focuses on keeping enthusiasm within reasonable limits.

control enthusiasm

Suggests a more active effort to manage and direct excitement.

hold back enthusiasm

Implies refraining from fully expressing one's excitement.

keep a lid on enthusiasm

An idiomatic expression suggesting suppression of excitement.

put the brakes on enthusiasm

Suggests slowing down or stopping the expression of excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "curb enthusiasm" in a sentence?

You can use "curb enthusiasm" to advise someone to reduce their excitement or eagerness. For example, "I know you're excited about the offer, but let's "curb your enthusiasm" until we see the fine print".

What's a more casual way to say "curb enthusiasm"?

For a more casual tone, try alternatives like "hold your horses", "take it easy", or "don't get ahead of yourself". These phrases convey a similar meaning but are less formal than "curb enthusiasm".

Is it always necessary to include a possessive pronoun with "curb enthusiasm"?

While not strictly required, adding a possessive pronoun like "your" or "their" often improves clarity. Saying ""curb your enthusiasm"" is usually clearer than just "curb enthusiasm".

What's the difference between "curb enthusiasm" and "suppress enthusiasm"?

"Curb enthusiasm" suggests moderating or controlling excitement, while "suppress enthusiasm" implies completely holding back or preventing its expression. The former is less forceful than the latter.