Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
take the wind out of one's sails
idiom
/teɪk ðə wɪnd aʊt ʌv wʌnz seɪlz/
Definition
To hinder someone’s progress or confidence by surprising them with information or actions that deflate their enthusiasm or momentum.
Examples
- When she revealed the competition’s strategy, it really took the wind out of his sails.
- The unexpected news about budget cuts took the wind out of our team’s sails right before the presentation.
- His criticism took the wind out of her sails, making her second-guess her project.
Meaning
This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone’s plans or ambitions are thwarted or diminished, usually unexpectedly.
Synonyms
- Deflate one’s enthusiasm
- Undermine
- Dampen
- Discourage
- Dishearten
