put a (or the) stopper on
informal Prevent from happening or continuing: this responsibility put a stopper on me finding someone for myself...- This will put a stopper on rumours about him being ‘inspired’ by the film.
- He notes that the volatility of oil prices as feedstock has had a negative impact on petrochemical companies, affecting their cash flow and putting a stopper on major projects.
- Then putting a stopper on my joy came the realization of how stupid I had been, allowing my emotions to cloud my judgement.
See parent entry: stopper