Quick answer: “Take the wind out of your sails” means to suddenly take away someone's confidence, energy, or enthusiasm, often through unexpected criticism, bad news, or a setback.
Take the wind out of your sails — To suddenly take away someone's confidence, energy, or enthusiasm, often through unexpected criticism, bad news, or a setback.
Origin & History
This is a genuine nautical idiom. In the age of sailing ships, one vessel could deliberately position itself to block the wind from reaching another ship's sails, slowing it down or stopping it altogether.
The naval tactic gave rise to the figurative meaning: just as a ship loses its power when its sails lose the wind, a person loses momentum and confidence when something unexpected deflates them.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| His harsh comment really took the wind out of her sails before the presentation. | Confidence, criticism |
| The bad review took the wind out of the team's sails after their big win. | Sport, morale |
| Losing the contract took the wind out of his sails for weeks. | Business setback |
| Her confident reply took the wind out of his sails during the argument. | Debate, argument |
| The unexpected question took the wind out of the candidate's sails. | Interview, public speaking |
How to Use It
This idiom is generally used to describe the situation directly, often following a form of the verb "to be" or paired with a verb of change such as "go" or "get." It works well in both spoken and written English, and is most effective when it clearly refers to a real, specific situation rather than being used vaguely.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
It took the wind of his sails.
It took the wind out of his sails. — don't drop 'out'.
She took the winds out of his sails.
She took the wind out of his sails. — 'wind' stays singular.
He took the wind out of his sail.
He took the wind out of his sails. — always plural 'sails'.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Take the wind out of your sails
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Take the wind out of your sails” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “His harsh comment really _____ before her presentation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Take the wind out of your sails” mean?
“Take the wind out of your sails” means To suddenly take away someone's confidence, energy, or enthusiasm, often through unexpected criticism, bad news, or a setback.
Where does the idiom “Take the wind out of your sails” come from?
This is a genuine nautical idiom. In the age of sailing ships, one vessel could deliberately position itself to block the wind from reaching another ship's sails, slowing it down or stopping it altogether.
Can you give an example of “Take the wind out of your sails” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “His harsh comment really took the wind out of her sails before the presentation.” — used in the context of confidence, criticism.
Is “Take the wind out of your sails” formal or informal?
This idiom is neutral. It is common in everyday speech, journalism, and semi-formal writing, though it is generally avoided in strict formal or academic writing.
What CEFR level is “Take the wind out of your sails”?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a common upper-intermediate expression that appears in conversation, journalism, and general writing, and learners at this level should understand and be able to use it actively.
What are common mistakes with “Take the wind out of your sails”?
A common mistake is: It took the wind of his sails. The correct form is: It took the wind out of his sails. (don't drop 'out')
What idioms are similar to “Take the wind out of your sails”?
Similar idioms include: Burst someone's bubble, Knock the stuffing out of, Deflate someone, Rain on someone's parade. These share a related meaning or usage context.
How do I practise idioms like “Take the wind out of your sails”?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and everyday conversation.
Can “Take the wind out of your sails” be used in writing?
Yes. It works well in informal writing, emails, and journalism. In everyday and semi-formal writing it is a natural and clear choice.
Does “Take the wind out of your sails” have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, “Take the wind out of your sails” is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: To suddenly take away someone's confidence, energy, or enthusiasm, often through unexpected criticism, bad news, or a setback. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.