1. put a damper on : 扫...的兴, 抑制...；
名词
1. (火炉、锅炉或熔炉的)调节风门，风挡
A damper is a small sheet of metal in a fire, boiler, or furnace that can be moved to increase or reduce the amount of air that enters.
2. (钢琴等乐器的)制音器，减音器
A damper is a device in a piano or similar musical instrument which makes the sound less loud by restricting the movement of the strings.
3. 使扫兴;抑制
To put a damper on something means to have an effect on it which stops it being as enjoyable or as successful as it should be.
1. a depressing restraint
e.g. rain put a damper on our picnic plans
2. a device that decreases the amplitude of electronic, mechanical, acoustical, or aerodynamic oscillations
Synonym: muffler
3. a movable iron plate that regulates the draft in a stove or chimney or furnace