What does “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” mean?
"Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails" means to deflate someone's confidence or enthusiasm.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His harsh criticism really took the wind out of my sails.
Example
After failing the exam, she felt her teacher had taken the wind out of her sails.
Example
The negative feedback took the wind out of his sails and he lost motivation to continue
Is “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” effectively in context?
You can use "Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails" to describe a situation where someone's confidence or enthusiasm is deflated. It emphasizes the impact of negative feedback or criticism on a person's motivation. For example, if a friend receives harsh criticism after a presentation, you might say, 'Don't let their comments take the wind out of your sails. You did a great job.'
- 1Personal Achievement
After receiving a rejection letter from her dream college, she felt her dreams had been taken the wind out of her sails.
- 2Work
His boss's constant micromanagement took the wind out of his sails and he lost his enthusiasm for the project.
- 3Relationships
Her partner's lack of support took the wind out of her sails and made her question their commitment.
Similar phrases to “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails" is unknown.
Is “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone's confidence or enthusiasm is deflated.
What tone does “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” have?
"Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails" conveys a tone of disappointment and discouragement. It's often used to express empathy towards someone who has experienced a setback or received negative feedback.
Can “Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Take The Wind Out of Someone’s Sails" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the deflation of confidence or enthusiasm. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His criticism really took the wind out of my sails.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That comment really "took the wind out of my sails"!' to express disappointment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- discourage
- demoralize
- dampen someone's spirits
- crush someone's enthusiasm
- undermine someone's confidence
