⛵ Take the Wind Out of Someone’s Sails 🎭
Definition:
To put someone at a disadvantage; to stop someone, either literally or figuratively. This phrase originates from the sailing tactic of positioning a vessel to block the wind from filling another ship’s sails, thus halting its progress.
Related Terms and Expressions:
- Steal one’s thunder: To take credit for someone else’s idea or actions.
- Throw a monkey wrench in the works: To disrupt a plan.
- Clip someone’s wings: To reduce someone’s power or freedom.
- Rain on someone’s parade: To spoil someone’s plans or celebration.
Synonyms:
- Undermine
- Deflate
- Outsmart
- Debunk
Antonyms:
- Encourage
- Empower
- Aid
- Bolster
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “When life gives you lemons, take the wind out of someone’s sails by making a citrus storm!” - Nautical Nelly
Inspirational Thought:
“I’ve learned never to put the wind in anyone’s sails who hasn’t charted their own course.” - Seafarer Solitude
Literature and References:
- The Fortunes of Nigel (1822) by Sir Walter Scott: The idiom is used figuratively to mirror its original nautical meaning.
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: Explore the ways sailors metaphorically and literally take the wind out of each other’s sails.
- “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel: A story of survival where setbacks are as common as ocean waves.
Movies:
- Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) - Starring Russell Crowe, this movie is packed with nautical wisdom and tactical sailing maneuvers.
- Pirates of the Caribbean series - Swashbuckling escapades often involve taking the wind out of adversaries’ sails, literally or otherwise.
Songs:
- “Come Sail Away” by Styx - A classic ditty that touches on emotions often felt by those who’ve had the wind taken out of their sails.
- “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” by Looking Glass - A tale involving seafaring and sentimental journeys that could leave you winded emotionally.
Quizzes:
### Which of these means causing an unexpected disadvantage?
- [x] Take the wind out of someone’s sails
- [ ] Cook up a storm in a teacup
- [ ] Dance with a dandelion
- [ ] Stomp on red tulips
> **Explanation:** "Take the wind out of someone’s sails" puts someone at a disadvantage, often unexpectedly. The other phrases are purely decorative gibberish!
### Identify the term similar in meaning to 'Take the wind out of someone’s sails':
- [x] Steal one's thunder
- [ ] Sing a different tune
- [ ] Reach for the stars
- [ ] Paint the roses red
> **Explanation:** "Steal one's thunder" means to take the attention or success away from someone, much like taking the wind out of their sails. The others don’t fit!
### What's the nautical metaphor in 'Take the wind out of someone’s sails' based on?
- [x] Sailing to windward to impede progress
- [ ] Anchoring in a busy harbor
- [ ] Splicing the mainbrace
- [ ] Swabbing the deck
> **Explanation:** The phrase originates from the sailing tactic of maneuvering to interrupt another vessel’s wind, thus halting its progress.
### True or False: 'Throw a monkey wrench in the works' is a synonym for 'Take the wind out of someone’s sails'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, as both idioms imply putting obstacles or causing a significant disadvantage to someone’s plans.
### Which literary figure used the phrase figuratively in the 19th century?
- [x] Sir Walter Scott
- [ ] Jane Austen
- [ ] Mark Twain
- [ ] Charles Dickens
> **Explanation:** Sir Walter Scott used it figuratively in "The Fortunes of Nigel" in 1822.
Until next time, may your sails always catch the wind, and may you navigate life’s seas with strength and wisdom.
Fair winds! ⛵
