put a damper on

USAGE SUMMARY

"put a damper on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of something making a situation or activity less enjoyable. For example, "The cold weather put a damper on the picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Seems like parenthood hasn't put a damper on the passion one bit.

Huffington Post

For one, lingering fears of a stronger yen could put a damper on all exporters' profits.

Forbes

That has put a damper on overall hiring.

The New York Times

That put a damper on things for several years.

The New Yorker

I'm not trying to put a damper on your celebration.

The New York Times

But not winning the game put a damper on it".

The New York Times - Sports

Several Republicans seemed to put a damper on the idea.

The New York Times

It has just put a damper on the spirit of the sport.

Independent

"If we didn't win, it definitely would have put a damper on things".

The New York Times - Sports

"They put a damper on what potentially could have been a serious issue," he said.

The New York Times

The eat-what-you-kill incentive structure at S.A.C. put a damper on collegiality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While generally appropriate for a wide range of writing, be mindful of the audience. In highly formal or technical writing, a less idiomatic phrase might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "put a damper on" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional language, such as "diminish" or "reduce", for clarity and a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a damper on" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes an action that lessens the positive qualities of something. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, aligning with its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put a damper on" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe something that negatively affects a situation, reducing its enjoyment or success. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts except for highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is recommended. Remember to consider the specific context when using "put a damper on", and be mindful of its potentially negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throw a wet blanket on

Similar idiomatic expression emphasizing the spoiling of fun or enthusiasm.

pour cold water on

Implies discouraging an idea or plan, thereby affecting enthusiasm.

dampen spirits

Focuses specifically on reducing someone's enthusiasm or happiness.

lessen the enthusiasm

Specifically targets a decrease in enthusiasm.

put a chill on

Suggests a slight discouragement or reduction in warmth and enthusiasm.

diminish the joy

Directly relates to reducing happiness or pleasure.

curtail the enjoyment

Highlights a limitation or reduction in the pleasure derived.

take the edge off

Suggests a lessening of intensity, which can indirectly reduce enjoyment.

temper the excitement

Suggests moderating or reducing high levels of excitement.

detract from

Emphasizes a reduction in value or quality, potentially affecting enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "put a damper on" in a sentence?

You can use "put a damper on" to describe something that has a negative impact on an event or situation, making it less enjoyable or successful. For example, "The rain "put a damper on" our picnic plans."

What's a more formal way to say "put a damper on"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "diminish", "reduce", or "detract from" instead of ""put a damper on"". These alternatives offer a more professional tone.

Is it always negative to "put a damper on" something?

Yes, ""put a damper on"" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something has made a situation less positive than it could have been. While it can be true, it is not always negative.

What can I say instead of "put a damper on"?

You can use alternatives like "dampen spirits", "take the edge off", or "throw a wet blanket on" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.