put the (tin) lid on something/things
to be the final act or event that spoils your plans or hopes 对...是最后的一击;最后使计划(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.

美国一所大学录取了我,可是我无钱前往,所以此事只能作罢.

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

雨一直下个不停,我们去公园野餐的计划只能作罢了.

a level playing field:a situation in which everyone has the same opportunities 人人机会均等;公平竞争的环境

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说现在的竞争环境不公平,失败的总是它们.