The idiom "take the wind out of someone's sails" means to diminish or undermine someone's confidence, enthusiasm, or momentum. It is used to describe a situation where someone's excitement or energy is suddenly deflated or taken away, leaving them feeling discouraged or demotivated.
For example, if someone is really excited about a new project they are working on, but then they find out that someone else has already done something similar, it can take the wind out of their sails. They may feel less motivated to continue with their project because they feel like it's not as unique or important as they thought it was.
Another example could be when a team is winning a game, but then the other team scores a goal, it can take the wind out of their sails. They may feel less confident and motivated to continue playing because they feel like they are losing momentum.
Overall, the idiom "take the wind out of someone's sails" is used to describe a situation where someone's energy or enthusiasm is suddenly deflated or taken away, leaving them feeling discouraged or demotivated.
• The sudden downpour took the wind out of our sails during our picnic.
• Despite her confidence, the harsh criticism from the audience took the wind out of her sails during the performance.
• After the company's stock prices plummeted, it took the wind out of the CEO's sails during the press conference.
• The unexpected announcement of a rival company's product launch took the wind out of our sails.
• The team's captain was injured in the first few minutes of the game, which took the wind out of their sails.
• Learning that he had failed the exam took the wind out of his sails.