pouring cold water on
Dismissing someone's idea
Pouring cold water on something is discouraging or dampening enthusiasm for it.
The image is of extinguishing a fire—killing the heat of an idea or plan with skepticism or negativity: She was excited about the proposal, but her manager poured cold water on it.
The phrase implies deflation rather than outright rejection.
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
hard pass · hesitation · rebuke · incredulity · discouragement · raining on someone's parade · wet blanket · disheartenment · contradiction · counterargument · shooting down · misgivings · doubtfulness · rejection · thumbs down · naysaying · undermining · dampening
pouring cold water onencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
cheering on · supporting · championing · rooting for · egging on
poured, pourer, colder, coldest, coldly, coldness, water, waters, watered