put on the kibosh
Bring abrupt end
To put the kibosh on something is to stop it decisively or prevent it from continuing: The rain put the kibosh on our picnic.
The phrase suggests a firm, final end to plans or activities.
Origin unknown, though theories abound.
Sometimes appears as put on the kibosh, though put the kibosh on is standard.
- nip in the budStop at the start
- put a stop toCause to cease
- shut downCease to operate
- shoot downattack from below
- forbidDeclare not allowed
nip it in the bud · rain on someone's parade · throw cold water on · halt · put the brakes on · bring to a halt · terminate · throw a wrench in the works · ban · outlaw · disallow · clamp down on · suppress · cut short · nullify · pull the plug · cancel · veto
permission and enablement
put on the kiboshgive the green light
initiation vs. termination
put on the kiboshget the ball rolling
Initiate an activity
kick off · set in motion · launch · initiate · start up