Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

take the wind out of someone's sails

idiom
/teɪk ði wɪnd aʊt əv ˈsʌmwʌnz seɪlz/
Definition
To reduce someone’s confidence or enthusiasm, often by discouraging them or creating an obstacle in their plans.
Examples
  • When he pointed out the flaws in her plan, it really took the wind out of her sails.
  • Winning the first round of negotiations took the wind out of their sales ambitions for the rest of the week.
  • The unexpected rainstorm took the wind out of our plans for an outdoor picnic.
Meaning
This idiom refers to the act of diminishing someone’s energy or motivation, similar to how a sailboat loses speed when the wind is removed from its sails.
Synonyms
  • Discourage
  • Demoralize
  • Dishearten
  • Deflate