To throw cold water upon anything

Definitions

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• dampen enthusiasm
  To say or do something that lessens the excitement or enthusiasm for a particular idea or plan

Examples of To throw cold water upon anything

• After hearing the exciting new business proposal, the CEO's response was to throw cold water upon it by pointing out all the potential issues and drawbacks.

  The phrase "throw cold water upon" is idiomatic and means to dampen the enthusiasm or excitement for something by introducing doubts or criticisms. In this example, the CEO was being pessimistic and critical of the proposal, effectively "throwing cold water" on it by highlighting potential problems.

• The group of friends had been eagerly planning a surprise party for their friend's birthday, but when they shared their ideas with a trusted confidante, she threw cold water upon it by warning them of the many logistical challenges and risks involved.

  In this example, the confidante was playing the role of a trusted advisor, offering caution and advice to help the group avoid potential problems. She "threw cold water" on their plan by pointing out its drawbacks and potential pitfalls, but this was done out of concern and a desire to help them succeed.

• Even after months of hard work and preparation, the student's confidence was shaken when the professor threw cold water upon their presentation by criticizing several key aspects and suggesting areas for improvement.

  This example illustrates how "throwing cold water upon" something can also be done constructively, as a means of offering feedback and guidance for improvement. The professor was not being negative or pessimistic, but was instead offering critical feedback in order to help the student improve and succeed.

• The entrepreneur's dream of starting his own business was met with skepticism and doubts from his friends and family, who threw cold water upon it by warning of the many risks and challenges involved.

  This example highlights the negative connotations that can be associated with "throwing cold water upon" something, as it is often used to describe situations where someone is being overly critical, negative, or skeptical. In this example, the friends and family members are expressing doubts and skepticism, effectively "throwing cold water" on the entrepreneur's dream by highlighting the potential challenges and risks involved.

• The new business proposal seemed promising, but John's pessimistic remarks threw cold water upon it.

  John's negative comments, such as pointing out potential flaws or risks, dampened the enthusiasm and optimism surrounding the proposed idea, similar to the effect of splashing cold water on a hot coalition.

• The writer's claim that the book was a masterpiece was met with skepticism, as some readers threw cold water upon it by highlighting the flaws and shortcomings of the text.

  The readers' critical assessments tempered the initial excitement and high praise for the book, much like pouring cold water on a fiery expectation or anticipation.

• The promising startup's dreams of going public were shattered when the economic downturn threw cold water upon it.

  The economic recession dampened the startup's ambitions and prospects, similar to the way in which cold water would extinguish the flames of the startup's growth aspirations.

• Despite the author's enthusiasm, the reviewer threw cold water upon the literary debut by highlighting its shortcomings and inconsistencies.

  Similar to pouring cold water on a damp log, the reviewer's critical analysis snuffed out the spark of anticipation and excitement surrounding the new literary work.

Conclusion

The idiom "to throw cold water upon anything" is used to discourage someone or dampen their enthusiasm. It can be used to caution against a particular activity or to lessen excitement for an idea or plan.

Origin of "To throw cold water upon anything"

The origin of this idiom dates back to the 19th century. The phrase "throw cold water" was used in a figurative sense to mean to discourage or dampen enthusiasm. The origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been derived from the idea of throwing cold water on a fire to put it out, thereby extinguishing any enthusiasm or excitement. Over time, the phrase evolved into the idiomatic expression "to throw cold water upon anything," which is still used today to convey the idea of discouraging or dampening enthusiasm.

Examples:

• When the team proposed a new project, the manager threw cold water upon it by highlighting all the potential risks and drawbacks.
• Her parents threw cold water upon her plans to travel alone by expressing their concerns about safety.