put a damper on
Diminish the mood
To put a damper on something is to diminish its intensity or enthusiasm.
A damper is a device that reduces vibration or airflow, so figuratively the phrase means to suppress or discourage: The rain put a damper on our picnic plans.
His criticism put a damper on the celebration.
- killjoyOne who dampens merriment
- dampeningReducing or wetting slightly
- discourageDiminish someone's confidence
- bring downCause to collapse
- rain on someone's paradeSpoil another's excitement
wet blanket · negativity · buzzkill · throw cold water on · pour cold water on · burst the bubble · disappointment · stifle · quell · extinguish · spoilsport · party pooper · suppress · hinder · put a stop to · dishearten · subdue · frustration
put a damper onencourage
Urge forward with support
boost · cheer up · enliven · invigorate · brighten
put a damper onfacilitate
Make something easier
promote · fuel · spur on · accelerate · advance
put a damper onfacilitate
Make something easier
accelerate · promote · advance · spur on · propel
dampen, damper, dampest, damped, damping, dampeners, dampener, dampers, undamped