poured cold water on
Quashed someone's excitement
To pour cold water on something is to discourage or dampen enthusiasm for it, like dousing a fire: She poured cold water on his plan to quit and become an artist.
The phrase suggests deflating someone's excitement with skepticism or practical objections.
Also appears as throw cold water on.
- dissuadeConvince not to
- talk out ofPersuade someone not to
- throw shadeSubtly insult someone publicly
- rain on paradeSpoil someone's enthusiasm
- undermineWeaken by stealth
shoot down · discouragement · burst bubble · deflation · critique · rebuttal · oppose · objection · negate · denial · invalidate · disheartenment · counterargument · disparage · dampen · squelch · disappointment · dismissal
encouragement/discouragement
poured cold water onencouraged
Gave support and confidence
cheered on · egged on · supported · championed · backed
poured, pouring, colder, coldest, coldly, coldness, water, waters, watered