Example
“The judge's harsh opening comment took the wind out of the young singer's sails.”
Dictionary details
Component words
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
get wind of
CEFR B2learn about something private or secret, usually through an indirect channel
throw caution to the wind
CEFR B2to act boldly or recklessly without considering the possible consequences
happily ever after
CEFR B1living a happy life forever, especially as the end of a story
at a loss for words
CEFR B2unable to express yourself because an emotional or confusing moment leaves you speechless
touch a nerve
CEFR B2to provoke a strong reaction by raising a sensitive or painful subject
perish the thought
CEFR C1used as an emphatic rejection of an idea considered intolerable
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.