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put a damper on

[/pʊt ə ˈdæmpər ɑːn/]
verb phrase
desanimar; estragar; abafar
1. To reduce enthusiasm, joy, or the success of something; to have a depressing or restraining effect
The bad weather put a damper on our outdoor celebration.
O mau tempo desanimou nossa celebração ao ar livre.
2. To suppress or restrain something from developing fully
His critical comments put a damper on her creative ambitions.
Seus comentários críticos abafaram suas ambições criativas.
NYC Slang
kill the vibe; harsh your mellow
Synonyms
dampendiscouragedepresssuppressrestrainspoilmardeflate
Antonyms
encouragepromoteinspireupliftenhance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desanimar; estragar a festa
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
estragar; tirar a animação
Colloquial expression
São Paulo
desanimar; abafar o entusiasmo
Formal and informal usage
Portugal
desanimar; prejudicar; abafar
European Portuguese variant

Related Idioms & Phrases

rain on someone's parade
throw cold water on
burst someone's bubble
take the wind out of someone's sails
cast a shadow over
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