put a crimp in

phrase

US
: to prevent (something) from happening or proceeding in the usual or desired way : to affect (something) badly
The storm put a crimp in our travel plans.
The extra expenses put a crimp in the company's budget.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Put a crimp in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20a%20crimp%20in. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster