pour the cold water on — to discourage someone from doing something; to make someone less enthusiastic about an idea or plan
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to discourage someone from doing something; to make someone less enthusiastic about an idea or plan
Pronunciation (IPA): /pɔːr ðə koʊld ˈwɔːtər ɑːn/
Example Sentences
- My mom poured cold water on my plan to quit school and become a YouTuber by showing me the electricity bill.
- The financial advisor poured cold water on their vacation plans by explaining their debt situation.
- Don't pour cold water on my diet by bringing donuts to the office!
pour the cold water on
NOUN[/pɔːr ðə koʊld ˈwɔːtər ɑːn/]
to discourage someone from doing something; to make someone less enthusiastic about an idea or plan
His boss poured cold water on his startup idea during the team meeting.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom originated as a metaphorical expression derived from the literal physical act of pouring cold water to extinguish heat. Beginning in the nineteenth century, it evolved into a figurative phrase meaning to dampen or discourage someone's enthusiasm, passion, or interest by introducing discouraging facts or criticism.
Breakdown
Physical action (pouring cold water to cool heat) → Metaphorical expression (dampening enthusiasm or passion). The phrase transfers the cooling effect of cold water from literal temperature reduction to the suppression of emotional intensity or excitement.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom poured cold water on my plan to quit school and become a YouTuber by showing me the electricity bill.”
“The financial advisor poured cold water on their vacation plans by explaining their debt situation.”
“Don't pour cold water on my diet by bringing donuts to the office!”
“The teacher poured cold water on the students' excitement about the field trip by mentioning the upcoming exam.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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