kybosh
Rare/UncommonInformal, somewhat dated slang
Definition
Meaning
to put an end to something; to finish or ruin something.
To decisively stop or terminate a plan, activity, or possibility, often suddenly or authoritatively. Can imply spoiling something or making it impossible to continue.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 'put the kybosh on' (something). The word is rarely used in isolation. It carries a sense of finality and often frustration or disappointment for the party affected.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is primarily British/Irish in origin and use. It is extremely rare in American English, where speakers would use alternatives like 'put the kibosh on' (a variant spelling), 'scuttle', 'squelch', or 'nix'.
Connotations
In British English, it retains a colloquial, slightly old-fashioned character. It does not have strong negative connotations beyond the act of stopping something.
Frequency
Low frequency in modern British English, but recognized. Virtually absent in contemporary American English outside of historical or literary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] put the kybosh on [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put the kybosh on something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The budget cuts put the kybosh on our expansion plans.'
Academic
Extremely rare. Not used in formal writing.
Everyday
The primary context. Used in informal speech and writing about plans being cancelled. 'The rain put the kybosh on our picnic.'
Technical
Never used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council put the kybosh on the new housing development.
- Bad weather has put the kybosh on our beach day.
American English
- The FDA put the kibosh on that new drug application.
- His injury put the kibosh on his playoff hopes.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher put the kybosh on our plan to finish class early.
- The sudden funding withdrawal put the kybosh on the entire research initiative.
- Her unequivocal veto put the kybosh on any further discussion of the merger, much to the board's chagrin.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boss named KYLE putting a big BASH (crash) on your plans. KYLE-BASH -> KYBOSH.
Conceptual Metaphor
STOPPING IS APPLYING A LID/COVER (from one proposed etymology). FINALITY IS A BLOW/DESTRUCTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. It does not mean 'destroy' (уничтожить) in a physical sense, but 'to stop/prevent' (положить конец, сорвать). The closest common phrase is 'поставить крест на'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without 'put the... on' (e.g., 'He kyboshed the deal' is non-standard). Confusing spelling with 'kibosh'. Trying to use it as a noun other than in the fixed phrase.
Practice
Quiz
What is the meaning of 'put the kybosh on'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are found, but 'kybosh' is the original and more common British spelling. 'Kibosh' is a frequent variant, especially in American English.
No, it is almost never used as a standalone verb (e.g., 'to kybosh'). It is used exclusively in the phrase 'put the kybosh on something'.
It is decidedly informal and somewhat old-fashioned slang. It is not suitable for formal, academic, or technical writing.
The etymology is uncertain and disputed. Proposed origins include Yiddish, Irish Gaelic, or London slang, but no single origin is definitively proven.