Question

in_the_loop_702 to deflate someone’s ego (sentence 1) or to ruin or destroy someone’s high expectations (sentence 2) The expression probably originates from the sport of racing sailboats. When one sailboat cuts in front of another, it literally takes the wind out of the rear boat’s sails, causing it to lose its speed. The expression can be used to describe one’s own disappointment (sentence 2) or it can be used to express a somewhat wicked delight that someone else has met with disappointment (sentence 1).

Accepted Answer

TAKE THE WIND OUT OF (SOMEONE’S) SAILS Mary was so sure that she was going to be offered that job. Wait until I tell her that the position has been given to Roger instead. That’ll take the wind out of her sailsI was hoping to be accepted by that university. When the rejection letter arrived, it really took the wind out of my sails.

Id	in_the_loop_702
Idiom	TAKE THE WIND OUT OF (SOMEONE’S) SAILS
Definition	to deflate someone’s ego (sentence 1) or to ruin or destroy someone’s high expectations (sentence 2)
Examples	Mary was so sure that she was going to be offered that job. Wait until I tell her that the position has been given to Roger instead. That’ll take the wind out of her sails I was hoping to be accepted by that university. When the rejection letter arrived, it really took the wind out of my sails.
Extra Info	The expression probably originates from the sport of racing sailboats. When one sailboat cuts in front of another, it literally takes the wind out of the rear boat’s sails, causing it to lose its speed. The expression can be used to describe one’s own disappointment (sentence 2) or it can be used to express a somewhat wicked delight that someone else has met with disappointment (sentence 1).

Wind Sentence Sails Someone’s I Expression Disappointment Loop