A2Nature

Jemandem den Wind aus den Segeln nehmen

To undermine someone's argument, enthusiasm, or advantage by preemptively addressing their point or taking away their basis for action

In German

Jemandem den Wind aus den Segeln nehmen

YAY-man-dem den VINT aus den ZAY-geln NAY-men
Literal Translation
To take the wind out of someone's sails
Meaning
To undermine someone's argument, enthusiasm, or advantage by preemptively addressing their point or taking away their basis for action.

Equivalent:"To take the wind out of someone's sails; to steal someone's thunder"

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    Mit ihrer frühzeitigen Entschuldigung nahm sie ihm den Wind aus den Segeln.

    With her early apology, she took the wind out of his sails.

  2. 2

    Seine Kritiker wollten ihn angreifen, aber er nahm ihnen den Wind aus den Segeln, indem er die Probleme selbst ansprach.

    His critics wanted to attack him, but he stole their thunder by addressing the problems himself.

FAQ

How do you say "To undermine someone's argument, enthusiasm, or advantage by preemptively addressing their point or taking away their basis for action" in German?

"To undermine someone's argument, enthusiasm, or advantage by preemptively addressing their point or taking away their basis for action" in German is "Jemandem den Wind aus den Segeln nehmen" (YAY-man-dem den VINT aus den ZAY-geln NAY-men). Example: Mit ihrer frühzeitigen Entschuldigung nahm sie ihm den Wind aus den Segeln..

Related

Felix

Want to Learn More?

Practice with our AI mentor Felix.

Chat with Felix for free

Explore More

Discover all german idioms in our complete collection.

Browse All