- To decisively put an end to something; to stop, veto, or prevent something from happening.
Explanation
Origin
Origin is uncertain and debated, emerging in the early 19th century. Theories include:
- Yiddish kappelyush (cap), meaning 'put a lid on it'.
- Irish caip bháis (cap of death), referring to a judge's black cap worn when passing a death sentence.
- Possibly related to Arabic or other languages via British slang.
Regardless of origin, it implies a definite and often authoritative stop.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Axed it (Cancelled it)
- Shot it down (Rejected it decisively)
- Pulled the plug
- Canned it (Cancelled or stopped it)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucked it up (Implies ruining it, leading to its end)
- Slammed the door on it
Milder/Formal:
- Rejected the proposal
- Prevented it from proceeding
- Halted the process
- Disallowed it
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to Semi-formal.
- It's a bit colloquial and colourful, so might be avoided in highly formal written reports, but common in spoken English, including many work contexts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The word kibosh is unusual and specific to this idiom. Non-native speakers will simply need to learn its meaning within the phrase.
Examples
- My boss put the kibosh on my plan to work from home.
- Bad weather put the kibosh on our picnic.
- The council put the kibosh on the new building development.
Dialogue
Chris: Were you looking forward to the company ski trip?
Dana: Yeah, but apparently head office put the kibosh on it. Budget cuts.
Chris: No way! That's a real shame. Everyone was excited.
Dana: I know. Total bummer.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Was planning a big surprise party, but the guest of honour found out and put the kibosh on the whole thing! 😅 #surprisefail #party
- Facebook Update: Looks like the sudden snowstorm put the kibosh on my weekend travel plans. Staying home with hot chocolate instead! ☕️ #weather #cancelled
- Forum Comment: The moderators put the kibosh on that thread pretty quickly. Got too heated. #moderation #onlinecommunity
Response Patterns
- Oh no! Why?
- That's definitive then.
- Who did that?
- So it's completely cancelled?
- That's annoying/disappointing.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing the kibosh was put on something:
- Ask for the reason behind the decision.
- Ask who made the decision.
- Discuss the implications or what happens next.
- Express frustration or disappointment.
Conversation Starter
- No. Reports a decision that has stopped something.
Intonation
- Stress strongly on kibosh.
- Often said with a tone of finality, sometimes frustration or resignation. Put the KIBOSH on it.
Generation Differences
- Perhaps slightly more common among older generations (Boomers, Gen X), but still understood by many younger people due to its distinctiveness. Might sound a little dated to some teens/young adults.
Regional Variations
- Used in most English-speaking regions, possibly more prevalent in the US and UK.