☔ Cold Water, To Pour/Throw
“isn’t disconcerting someone without cause basically being an unscheduled weather event?”
Definition
To discourage, to dampen pleasure or enthusiasm. The analogy dates back at least to Roman times, when Plautus used it (“Aquam frigidam suffundunt,” meaning “They pour cold water on us”), and it also appears in William Scarborough’s collection of Chinese proverbs (1875).
Similar & Related Terms
- Buzzkill - A person or thing that spoils the mood.
- Wet Blanket - Someone who dampens the spirits of others.
- Debbie Downer - A person who habitually makes negative comments or complaints.
- Rain on Someone’s Parade - To spoil someone’s plans or celebration.
Antonyms
- Raise Spirits - To lift someone’s mood.
- Hype Up - To excite or energize someone.
- Encourage - To give support or confidence.
Witty Quotes 🤣
“Some people will pour cold water on your fire just to make you smoke. — Bob Dylan.”
“Don’t waste time on who pours cold water on your ideas; instead, find matches to light up new ones.”
Proverbs
- “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” - The determined do not back down but strive harder in adversity.
- “Every cloud has a silver lining.” - Behind every problem, there’s hope or a positive side.
Recommended Reading 📚
- “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett (features characters transforming discouragement into hope and inspiration).
- “The Art of Saying No” by Damon Zahariades (helps practice rejecting negativity in a constructive way).
- “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown (encourages overcoming discouragement in the pursuit of authenticity).
Songs 🎵
- “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (message about ignoring the negativity).
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles (iconic song about finding brightness).
Movies 🎬
- “Ratatouille” (2007) - A story of overcoming constant discouragement to reach one’s goals.
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) - A struggle against adversity showing triumph over challenges.
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] Pour cold water
- [ ] Throw hot ice
- [ ] Sprinkle warm joy
- [ ] Douse with sunshine
> **Explanation:** "Pour cold water" is a recognized idiom used when someone's excitement or enthusiasm is discouraged by another's off-putting comments or actions.
### Which phrase means to spoil someone's excitement?
- [x] Rain on someone's parade
- [ ] Light up their face
- [ ] Warm their heart
- [ ] Add feathers to their cap
> **Explanation:** "Rain on someone's parade" is an idiom for spoiling someone's plans or enthusiasm.
### True or False: 'Wet Blanket' refers to someone who dampens spirits.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! A 'wet blanket' is a person who spoils the fun or dampens others' enthusiasm.
May the sparks of inspiration always ignite your path, and remember, no downpour can extinguish the fire within you.
Here’s to warm encouragement and limitless enthusiasm!
Yours creatively,
Ivy Expressionista
