cold water

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Explanation of "Cold Water"

Basic Definition: "Cold water" generally refers to water that is at a low temperature. However, in a figurative sense, it can mean to discourage or dismiss an idea, plan, or hope. In this context, when someone "pours cold water" on something, they are expressing doubt or negativity about it.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "cold water" literally when talking about the temperature of water.
• Use it figuratively to describe someone who is being negative about an idea or plan.

Example:

1. Literal: "I prefer to drink cold water on hot days."
2. Figurative: "When she heard about the trip to Africa, she poured cold water on the whole idea, saying it was too expensive."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced conversations, "pouring cold water" can be used in discussions about projects, dreams, or plans. It implies that someone is being realistic or practical, but it can also come off as discouraging.

Word Variants:

• Cold (adjective): Low in temperature.
• Water (noun): A clear liquid that is essential for life.

Different Meanings:

• Literal Meaning: Refers to water that is not warm or hot.
• Figurative Meaning: Disparagement or criticism of a plan or idea.

Synonyms:

• For the literal meaning: chilly water, cool water.
• For the figurative meaning: discourage, dismiss, discredit, criticize.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Pour cold water on: To discourage or make something seem less positive.
  • Example: "He poured cold water on my plans to start a business."

Summary:

In summary, "cold water" can be both a literal term for water that is cold and a figurative expression used to describe discouraging someone's plans or hopes.

Academic

Noun

1. disparagement of a plan or hope or expectation
   • she poured cold water on the whole idea of going to Africa