throwing cold water on
Killing the mood
Throwing cold water on something is discouraging or dampening enthusiasm for it.
The image is of dousing a flame—killing excitement or momentum with skepticism or negativity: She was excited about the idea, but her boss threw cold water on it.
The phrase implies unwelcome criticism that deflates rather than constructively redirects.
- rain on paradeSpoil someone's enthusiasm
- burst bubbleDestroy comforting delusion
- deflateRelease air from
- demoralizeDestroy confidence or resolve
- contradictDispute a statement
rebuke · question · disparage · undermine · discourage · dissuade · talk out of · resist · frustrate · oppose · challenge · stifle · squelch · shoot down · naysay · reject · dishearten · wet blanket
throwing cold water onencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
cheering on · supporting · championing · backing · endorsing
throwing cold water onfiring up
Starting with energy
fanning the flames · fueling · energizing · inspiring · exciting
throw, throwing, thrown, throws, thrower, colder, coldest, coldly, coldness