ケチがつく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

be jinxed; suffer a setback; have a damper put on things

Used when something promising or smooth-running suddenly encounters bad luck, a hitch, or a discouraging turn. Often implies a superstitious sense of being jinxed.

See also: ケチ

• 順じゅん調ちょうだった計けい画かくにケチが付ついた。

  The plan, which had been going smoothly, hit a snag.

• あんなことを言いったら、せっかくの楽たのしい雰ふん囲い気きにケチが付つくよ。

  If you say something like that, it'll put a damper on the nice mood we've got going.