Meaning
To weaken someone’s confidence, enthusiasm or advantage, often by saying or doing something unexpected that undermines their momentum.
Origin
The phrase comes from sailing. A vessel moves when wind fills its sails; another boat positioned upwind can interfere with the airflow and leave it with less driving force. Sailors have long understood how one vessel can blanket another’s sails, reducing its speed or ability to maneuver. This physical loss of propulsion became a vivid metaphor for depriving a person of momentum in an argument, plan or performance. In modern English the expression often describes an unexpected remark that deflates confidence or excitement. It does not always imply deliberate sabotage, and it does not necessarily mean shocking someone severely. The nautical image explains why the focus is on lost momentum rather than merely being surprised.
Examples
Her calm reply took the wind out of his sails.
The early rejection took the wind out of our sails.
When he revealed the results, it took the wind out of their sails.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Take the wind out of someone’s sails' mean?
To weaken someone’s confidence, enthusiasm or advantage, often by saying or doing something unexpected that undermines their momentum.