Pull the plug on somebody/something

Pro Tip 1/3

Finality

Implies an action is final and cannot be reversed or restarted.

After the budget cuts, the director had no choice but to pull the plug on the festival.

Pro Tip 2/3

Unsuccessful outcome

Often used when something is not going as planned or is unlikely to succeed.

Since the app was not getting any users, we pulled the plug on it.

Pro Tip 3/3

Sudden cessation

Usually indicates a sudden or unexpected end to an activity or plan.

The heavy rainstorm pulled the plug on our picnic plans.