What is the meaning of idiom ” pour cold water on “?
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Answer: A. Discourage
Explanation
Pouring cold water on an idea cools enthusiasm and discourages supporters. Discourage means causing someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm for a plan. Both phrases describe negative reactions that dampen creative or ambitious proposals. Idioms utilize vivid physical metaphors to convey abstract emotional or psychological states. Constructive criticism differs from discouraging ideas by offering paths for improvement. Negative feedback can quickly extinguish collective excitement during project planning.
Team leaders must avoid pouring cold water on innovative employee suggestions prematurely. Constructive brainstorming sessions thrive when excessive discouragement is temporarily suspended. Evaluating risks realistically should not demoralize teams working on new projects. Encourage represents the exact opposite action by boosting motivation and confidence. To be calm describes a state of tranquility rather than active discouragement. Deceive involves intentional trickery rather than expressing skepticism about plans.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Grammar and Vocabulary
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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