Wet blanket In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "wet blanket", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Tommy Tran

2021-01-06 07:01

Meaning of Wet blanket

Synonyms:

damper , drag , whiner

Wet blanket noun informal

A person who spoils the pleasure and enthusiasm of other people by complaining or being negative.

I don't want to be a wet blanket but I have to admit that this party is so boring.

Nobody likes her because she's always a wet blanket.

Andy is such a wet blanket that he complains about anything.

Other phrases about:

get something off your chest

Speak out the problem

don't blame (one)

Used to say that someone does not place the blame on one for something

lay into (someone or something)

Used to describe attacking someone verbally or physically.

fling, sling, etc. mud (at somebody)

To say bad things about someone to damage their reputation

get (a) bad press

Used to say that someone is criticized, especially in the newspapers, on television, or on radio

Origin of Wet blanket

Using a wet blanket to extinguish fires. (Image Source: AITO)

The expression comes from around the 1870s. At that time, cooks kept a wet blanket in the kitchen to smother fires quickly, which was a practice dated back at least to the mid-1600s. We can understand this phrase as extinguishing a fire means extinguishing someone’s joy.