queer (someone's) pitch

idiom

variants or queer the pitch

British, informal

: to spoil or ruin something planned, arranged, or attempted

The idea appears to be to target perceived 'luxury' goods, while not queering the pitch for exporters.

—Hindu Business Line

As I'm no authority on period comedy, I answered rather cautiously so as not to queer your pitch …

—Stephen Haggard

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above