Taking the Wind Out of Someone’s Sails 🌬️⛵
Definition: To put someone at a disadvantage; to stop someone, literally or figuratively. Originally referred to impeding a sailing vessel by stealing its wind by sailing upwind.
Synonyms:
- Undermine
- Dishearten
- Deflate
- Hobble
Antonyms:
- Encourage
- Empower
- Uplift
- Bolster
Humor-filled quote: “The quickest way to take the wind out of someone’s sails is to point out that they’ve anchored themselves in a puddle.” — Nautical Nonsense by P. Zass
Proverbs:
- “The strongest storms make the highest waves; the wisest sailors learn to navigate through the calm and the chaos.”
Related Expressions:
- Scooping the rug out from under someone
- Raining on someone’s parade
- Bursting someone’s bubble
Fascinating Literature:
- The Fortunes of Nigel by Sir Walter Scott (1822): “He would take the wind out of the sail of every gallant.”
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: Rich with nautical idioms, explore how the high seas mirror life’s turbulent journey.
Songs:
- “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger: This anthem sings of struggles and perseverance, feeling metaphorically ‘windless’ yet pushing forward.
Movies:
- Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003): Experience naval strategies and see the literal and figurative battles of taking the wind out of sails.
Quizzes:
### What does it mean to "take the wind out of someone's sails"?
- [x] To put someone at a disadvantage
- [ ] To give someone more energy
- [ ] To sing in the rain
- [ ] To build confidence
> **Explanation:** Correct! "Taking the wind out of someone's sails" means to put someone at a disadvantage or to deflate their ego.
### What is the origin of the phrase "take the wind out of someone's sails"?
- [ ] Ancient Air Combat
- [ ] Medieval land strategies
- [x] Sailing tactics
- [ ] Alien folklore
> **Explanation:** This originated in the nautical world where literally stealing the wind from another's sails would impede their progress.
### Which book by Sir Walter Scott mentions this phrase?
- [ ] Ivanhoe
- [x] The Fortunes of Nigel
- [ ] Rob Roy
- [ ] Waverley
> **Explanation:** "The Fortunes of Nigel" by Sir Walter Scott uses the phrase figuratively to describe undermining someone's efforts.
### True or False: Bursting someone’s bubble is a synonym of this phrase.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! Both phrases similarly mean to deflate someone's enthusiasm or advantage.
### Which of these songs is closely related to the theme of taking wind out of sails?
- [x] "Against the Wind" by Bob Seger
- [ ] "Piano Man" by Billy Joel
- [ ] "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
- [ ] "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles
> **Explanation:** "Against the Wind" is all about life's struggles, mirroring the experience of feeling windless and fighting through adversity.
Thought-provoking Farewell: May your sails always catch the wind, unless, of course, you’re the lucky one maneuvering upwind. Until next time, remember: Every storm eventually runs out of rain.
Published by Nautical Nook Publishers.
