You don\u2019t always literally need to throw cold water upon anything (or anyone) to ruin it. The idiom means to discourage or dampen someone\u2019s enthusiasm or interest in something. It implies that someone is being negative, critical, or pessimistic about someone else\u2019s plans, ideas, or hopes. For example, if someone says that they want to start a new business, and another person says that it is too risky and unlikely to succeed, they are throwing cold water into their dream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idiom “to throw cold water upon anything” has been in use since the early 19th century, originating from the idea of putting a fire out by throwing water on it and waking someone up by throwing cold water on their face. Here\u2019s how you should use this idiom in a sentence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n