Take the wind out of your sails.
Take the wind out of your sails.
The saying 'Take the wind out of your sails' perfectly captures the feeling of losing momentum or motivation due to a setback. It originates from sailing, where sails need wind to move the boat effectively. If the wind dies down, the sail collapses, and the boat stalls. Similarly, when something happens that discourages or disheartens us, it feels as though the wind has been taken out of our sails. This idiom reflects the emotional impact of unexpected bad news or failure that deflates our spirits and slows our progress.
That comment really took the wind out of his sails.
That remark significantly affected his motivation.
Losing the game took the wind out of their sails.
Losing the game severely impacted their morale.
She worked hard, but the criticism took the wind out of her sails.
Despite her efforts, the criticism greatly diminished her enthusiasm.