take the shine off

take the shine off

To make something less enjoyable, pleasant, or fun; to have a subduing or deadening effect on something. The foul weather really took the shine off our picnic yesterday. It was a great game, but that scuffle at the end took the shine off.
See also: off, shine, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take the shine off something

mainly BRITISH
If something takes the shine off a pleasant event or achievement, it makes it less enjoyable than it should be. Sadly, the behaviour of a small group of fans took the shine off what was otherwise a great match. The row now threatens to take the shine off the party's recent triumph in the local elections.
See also: off, shine, something, take
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

take the shine off

spoil the brilliance or excitement of; overshadow.
See also: off, shine, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

take the ˈshine off something

(informal) make something seem much less good than it did at first: Allegations of cheating have taken the shine off the successful exam results.
See also: off, shine, something, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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 whack at (something)
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
  • all right
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best