rain on one's parade
Ruin someone's moment
To rain on one's parade is to spoil someone's plans or dampen their enthusiasm, especially by introducing unwelcome reality into a moment of celebration or excitement: I hate to rain on your parade, but the numbers don't add up.
The image is of bad weather ruining an outdoor event.
The phrase often appears with apologies that don't quite soften the blow.
- cloud overBecome shadowed above
- burst someone's bubbleDispel a comforting illusion
- throw cold water onDismiss or dampen enthusiasm
- cold showerUnwelcome sobering experience
- wet blanketOne who discourages others
dark cloud · take the wind out · bring down · dismay · bad news · discouragement · disappointment · bitter pill · upset the apple cart · frustration · doom and gloom · sour grapes · silver lining · put a damper on · sunny disposition · spoilsport · buzzkill · mood killer
rain on one's parademake someone's day
Cause great pleasure
roll out the red carpet · toast · fete · honor · pave the way
rain, rains, rained, raining, rainiest, ones, parade, parades, paraded