Question

Throw Cold Water on Something to say or do something discouraging; to dampen one's enthusiasm for something

Accepted Answer

I was looking forward to my vacation until you threw cold water on it by saying the place is loaded with mosquitoes. For thousands of years the best way to put out a fire was to douse it with water. If fire, heat, and warmth all represent enthusiasm, excitement, and passion, then cold water must stand for whatever lessens those emotions. So, if you throw cold water on someone's plans, you're a "wet blanket" (see page 204).

Idiom	Throw Cold Water on Something
Example	I was looking forward to my vacation until you threw cold water on it by saying the place is loaded with mosquitoes.
Meaning	to say or do something discouraging; to dampen one's enthusiasm for something
Origin	For thousands of years the best way to put out a fire was to douse it with water. If fire, heat, and warmth all represent enthusiasm, excitement, and passion, then cold water must stand for whatever lessens those emotions. So, if you throw cold water on someone's plans, you're a "wet blanket" (see page 204).

Cold Water Throw I Forward Vacation Threw Place