put the (tin) lid on something/things
to be the final act or event that spoils your plans or hopes 對...是最后的一擊;最后使計劃(或希望)落空

I've got a place at an American university but I can't afford to go, so that's put the lid on that.

美國一所大學錄取了我,可是我無錢前往,所以此事只能作罷.

It rained and rained, which put the lid on our plans for a picnic in the park.

雨一直下個不停,我們去公園野餐的計劃只能作罷了.

a level playing field:a situation in which everyone has the same opportunities 人人機會均等;公平競爭的環(huán)境

Many small businesses complain that they are not competing on a level playing field and that they are the ones who lose out.

很多小公司都在抱怨說現(xiàn)在的競爭環(huán)境不公平,失敗的總是它們.