# pour cold water over

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pour-cold-water-over
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of throw cold water on.

## Examples

- My boss poured cold water over my new idea.
- I was excited about the vacation plan, but my partner poured cold water over it by mentioning the high costs.
- Despite the team's enthusiasm for the ambitious project, the director poured cold water over their proposal by highlighting the significant lack of funding.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.