put the tin hat on (something)

put the tin hat on (something)

To finalize or mark the end of something, especially in a forceful, decisive, or dramatic way. Primarily heard in UK. What put the tin hat on it for me was his insistence that we maintain the same direction for the next financial year. I resigned the very next day. The downgrading of the company's credit rating puts the tin hat on a disastrous year for their financial situation.See also: hat, on, put, tin