put a downer on (something)

put a downer on (something)

To inhibit something or make it less pleasant or enjoyable; to have a subduing or deadening effect on something. The foul weather really put a downer on our picnic yesterday. Without question, this tax scandal has put a downer on the senator's likelihood of being re-elected. The construction happening near our building has really put a downer on sales this month.
See also: downer, on, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put a downer on something

If something or someone puts a downer on an event, they make it less enjoyable. The argument put a downer on our school holiday break.
See also: downer, on, put, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • a slue of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • all right
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best
  • a thing of the past
  • a slew of (something)