take the wind out of someone's sails
Meaning: To deflate someone's ego (sentence 1) or to ruin or destroy someone's high expectations (sentence 2).
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Nature
Origin: The expression probably originates from the sport of racing sailboats. When one sailboat cuts in front of another, it literally takes the wind out of the rear boat's sails, causing it to lose its speed. The expression can be used to describe one's own disappointment (sentence 2) or it can be used to express a somewhat wicked delight that someone else has met with disappointment (sentence 1).
More idioms — Nature
- too many irons in the fire — Too many activities demanding one's time.
- turn over a new leaf — To change one's bad ways and begin to lead a better life.
- under a cloud — Less than entirely trustworthy; suspected of some wrongdoing.
- under the weather — Unwell; ill.
- water under the bridge — Past and finished; over and done with.
- the wave of the future — A strong, growing trend.
More English idioms
- ace in the hole — A hidden but effective means of winning a conflict.
- achilles' heel — A person's weakness or the vulnerable spot in his or her character.
- acid test — The most crucial or important test of worth.
- across the board — Equally for everyone, for everything, or in all cases.
- actions speak louder than words — The things that people do (actions) are more important than the things they say (words).
- all kidding aside — Speaking seriously.
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