throw cold water on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘throw cold water on’ mean?
The idiom "throw cold water on" means to discourage or dampen enthusiasm for an idea or plan.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "water down" means to dilute or weaken something, making it less potent or effective.
Water down is an idiom with a clear and well-established meaning. It means to dilute or weaken the strength, intensity, or impact of something. This metaphorical meaning comes from the literal act of adding water to a substance, which reduces its potency or effectiveness.
The idiom "throw the baby out with the bathwater" means to discard something valuable or useful along with things that are not. It warns against the risk of making hasty or indiscriminate decisions that result in unnecessary loss.
The idiom "throw stones" means to criticize or blame someone, often without considering one's own faults or mistakes
The idiom "throw off balance" means to make someone feel uncertain or confused, disrupting their usual state of composure or stability.
The idiom "throw off" means to remove or get rid of something or someone, often in a sudden or forceful manner. It can also refer to causing someone to lose their balance or stability.
"Throw off" is a commonly used idiom in the English language with various meanings and uses. Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century.
The idiom "throw in the towel" means to give up or surrender in a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "throw a wrench in the works" means to cause a disruption or problem in a plan or process, making it difficult or impossible to continue smoothly.
The idiom "throw a wrench in the gears" means to create a problem or obstacle that disrupts a smooth flow or plan.
An idiom meaning to disrupt or interfere with a process, plan, or situation, usually causing it to go off track or fail.
The idiom "throw a wrench in" is a commonly used expression in American English. It is often used informally to describe the act of disrupting or obstructing a process, plan, or situation. The idiom originated in the early 20th century and has since gained popularity.
Decoding Embroidered Coolness
The idiom "throw cold water on" is commonly used in English-speaking countries and has a figurative meaning. It is used to describe discouraging or dampening someone's enthusiasm or excitement about an idea, plan, or situation. The origin and history of this idiom can be traced back to the 18th century when it emerged in the English language and became a common expression.
The phrase "throw cold water on" is believed to have originated from the literal act of throwing cold water over a person or an object to cool them down or extinguish a fire. This physical act reflects the metaphorical meaning of the idiom, which is to pour cold water on someone's excitement or enthusiasm, effectively dampening their enthusiasm or putting a halt to their plans.
The idiom is widely used in various contexts, including personal, professional, and social situations. It can be used in conversations, written texts, and media to express skepticism, doubt, or disapproval towards an idea or proposal.
For example, someone might say, "I was really excited about my new business venture, but my partner threw cold water on it by pointing out all the potential risks and challenges." In this context, the idiom implies that the partner's skepticism and negative outlook diminished the speaker's enthusiasm and made them reconsider their plans.
It is worth noting that the idiom "throw cold water on" is related to other idioms such as "pour cold water on" and "give someone the cold shoulder." The related idiom "pour cold water on" also means to discourage or dampen someone's enthusiasm or excitement about an idea, plan, or situation. It is similar to "throw cold water on" in its figurative meaning but has a slightly different phrasing.
Additionally, the idiom "give someone the cold shoulder" is also related to "throw cold water on." It means to deliberately ignore or dismiss someone in a cold or unfriendly manner, thus dampening their spirits and enthusiasm. While the phrases differ in their imagery and presentation, they share the common theme of discouraging or dampening someone's enthusiasm or excitement.
The idiom "throw cold water on" is an established expression in the English language. It has a figurative meaning of discouraging or dampening someone's enthusiasm or excitement. The origin of the idiom can be traced back to the 18th century, and it is still widely used today. By understanding the roots and usage of this idiom, we gain insights into the richness and versatility of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom throw cold water on can be used in a sentence:
- When John suggested a risky investment, his friends threw cold water on his idea and advised him against it.
- The government's refusal to increase the budget for education threw cold water on the hopes of many teachers.
- Her excitement about the upcoming vacation was thrown cold water on when she discovered her passport had expired.
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