ケチつける

expression, ichidan verb

find fault; complain about; pick holes in

Used when someone criticizes or points out flaws in something, often in a petty or nitpicking way. The object is marked with に.

See also: ケチをつける

• 彼かれはいつも人ひとの仕し事ごとにケチを付つける。

  He always finds fault with other people's work.

• せっかくの提てい案あんにケチを付つけないでほしい。

  I wish you wouldn't pick holes in my carefully thought-out proposal.

expression, ichidan verb

jinx; put a damper on; throw cold water on

Used when someone says something negative that spoils a good mood, brings bad luck, or ruins a positive situation. Often in the form ケチを付ける.

See also: ケチをつける

• 彼かれの一ひと言ことが楽たのしい雰ふん囲い気きにケチを付つけた。

  His one remark put a damper on the cheerful atmosphere.

• 縁えん起ぎの悪わるいことを言いってケチを付つけないで。

  Don't jinx it by saying something unlucky.