泼冷水

pōlěngshuǐ

HSK 7

泼冷水 — pōlěngshuǐ

1. to pour cold water on; (fig.) to dampen someone's enthusiasm or to discourage a plan

   别总给孩子泼冷水，他们正有干劲呢。 bié zǒng gěi háizi pōlěngshuǐ tāmen zhèng yǒu gànjìn ne — Don't keep pouring cold water on the kids; they're full of energy.