put a crimp in

By analogy with putting a crimp in a pipe or hose, thereby slowing or stopping the flow of liquid through it.

put a crimp in (third-person singular simple present puts a crimp in, present participle putting a crimp in, simple past and past participle put a crimp in)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see put,‎ crimp,‎ in.
2. To spoil; to affect badly, preventing the usual or desired effect.
   • 2010, Gay Fifer, The River in Egypt, →ISBN:

     This put a crimp in my style, so I was determined we were going to find our own place faster than the timetable we'd set ourselves.

   • 2012, Bill Finch, Beth Maynor Young, Rhett Johnson, Longleaf, Far as the Eye Can See, →ISBN:

     Everyone had expected the economic recession to put a crimp in Davis's ambitions.

   • 2013, Devon Vaughn Archer, Love Is In The Air, →ISBN:

     Would marriage somehow put a crimp in your image as a beautiful, successful and single newscaster?

   • 2014, Gail Loreth, Sarah’s Revenge, →ISBN, page 57:

     It sure would put a crimp in things to have any vandalism happen here.