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Meaning of throw cold water on | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C2
θɹəʊ kəʊld ˈwɔːtə(ɹ)ɒn

Definitions

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

idiomatic, transitive

Equivalents

Suomi tyrmätä
日本語 水をさす
Português jogar um balde de água fria

Examples

“Oh! no; there would be a Mrs. Knightley to throw⟳ cold water on every thing.—Extremely disagreeable!”
“"Now, Peleg, don't throw⟳ cold water on my enthusiasm," said Tom reproachfully.”
“Sports economists tend⟳ to throw⟳ cold water on such studies, saying they often rely⟳ on unreliable or exaggerated data.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

throw dirt throw dirt on throw down throw down one's tools throw down the gauntlet throw dust in someone's eyes

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