# throw cold water on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/throw-cold-water-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

(of an achievement, emotion, idea, suggestion, etc.) To belittle or dismiss; to cast doubt upon; to debunk.

## Examples

- Don't throw cold water on my new idea.
- I was excited about the vacation plan, but my brother threw cold water on it by mentioning the high costs.
- Although the team presented a bold strategy for expansion, the board members immediately threw cold water on the proposal by highlighting the current economic instability.

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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.