Meaning & use
put the kibosh on
Last updated
UK/ˌpʊt ðə ˈkaɪbɒʃ ɒn/
US/ˌpʊt ðə ˈkaɪbɑːʃ ɑːn/
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseinformal
to stop something from happening or end it completely
Grammar: Takes an object after 'on': put the kibosh on something. The object can be a plan, idea, or activity.
Patterns
- put the kibosh on something
The unexpected rain put the kibosh on our picnic plans.
The new law put the kibosh on cheap imports.
His injury put the kibosh on his chances of playing in the final.
Common combinations
- put the kibosh on a plan
- The committee's decision put the kibosh on our plan to build a new park.
- put the kibosh on an idea
- Her father's disapproval put the kibosh on the idea of studying abroad.
- put the kibosh on something
- The strike put the kibosh on production for weeks.
Synonyms and how they differ
- scupper
- British and slightly informal; it means to cause something to fail, often used for plans or chances.
- torpedo
- More dramatic; it suggests deliberately destroying a plan or proposal.
- kill
- Direct and neutral; it can mean to stop something completely, but is more general.
Opposites
Practice
The heavy snow ___ our plans to drive to the mountains.
Choose one answer.
The correct phrase is 'put the kibosh on', meaning to stop or ruin plans. The other prepositions do not form the idiom.
Make it your own
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