His harsh criticism really took the wind out of my sails.
take the wind out of someone's sails
idiomTo discourage someone greatly; to cause someone to lose hope or the will to continue; to thwart or minimize someone's ambitions.
Origin
disputed originReferring to the idea of a ship that intercepts the wind of another, causing it to slow or stop.
She was excited about her promotion until her boss took the wind out of her sails by canceling the project.
The sudden announcement of the budget cuts took the wind out of the team's sails, leaving them feeling defeated just as they neared the finish line.
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 03
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
- 05
as the wind blows
According to any given circumstances.
- 06
bane of someone's existence
Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.
- 07
bash someone's face in
To beat someone violently.
- 08
bash someone's head
To beat up someone violently.