take the wind out of someone’s sails
Meaning
To weaken someone’s confidence or plans by removing their advantage, enthusiasm, or momentum.
Origin
From sailing: a boat needs wind in its sails to move. If the wind is blocked or lost, the boat slows and loses drive—metaphorically like a person losing momentum or confidence.
Notes
Often used when someone deflates another person’s confidence or excitement, sometimes by a remark or an unexpected setback. Neutral to mildly critical; common in conversation.
Examples
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When she announced her promotion, it really took the wind out of his sails after he’d been bragging all week.
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The coach’s calm criticism took the wind out of the team’s sails, but it also helped them refocus.
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I was ready to argue, but his sincere apology took the wind out of my sails.
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Their surprise early goal took the wind out of our sails and we struggled to recover.
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Telling him the plan was already approved took the wind out of his sails and he stopped protesting.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: take the wind out of + someone’s sails. Tense changes (took/has taken) are fine. Pronoun commonly used (out of his/her/their sails). Rarely singular “sail.”
Synonyms
- deflate someone
- take someone down a peg
- dampen someone’s spirits
- take the starch out of someone
Antonyms
- give someone a boost
- build someone up
- fire someone up