putting a crimp in
Throwing a wrench
To put a crimp in something is to hinder or interfere with it, disrupting plans or progress: The rain put a crimp in our picnic.
The image comes from crimping metal—bending or pressing it to create a restriction.
The phrase usually applies to minor setbacks rather than total failures: Budget cuts put a crimp in hiring.
- disturbanceDisruption of order
- curtailmentAct of reducing scope
- interruptionBreak in continuity
- party pooperOne who dampens merriment
- throwing offCausing to falter
restriction · meddling · sabotage · derailment · rain on parade · impediment · hitting a wall · snag · obstacle · encumbrance · inhibition · thwarting · blockage · suppression · hurdle · barrier · reduction · hampering
putting a crimp infacilitating
Making something simpler
enabling · greasing the wheels · helping along · expediting · paving the way
putting a crimp inencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
boosting · supporting · bolstering · energizing · invigorating
putting a crimp inopening up
Becoming less guarded
freeing up · unleashing · liberating · expanding · broadening