rain on someone's parade
Definition
The meaning: Rain on someone's parade is an idiomatic expression used to describe spoiling someone’s plans, excitement, or good mood by bringing negative news or criticism.
La signification: L'expression anglaise rain on someone's parade, qui signifie "gâcher la fête de quelqu’un", peut se traduire en français par "casser l’ambiance", "jouer les trouble-fête", ou "doucher l’enthousiasme de quelqu’un". Elle est utilisée quand une personne minimise la joie ou le succès d’une autre.
Note: Cette expression peut être employée de manière légèrement humoristique ou plus sérieuse, selon le contexte.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Gâcher la fête
» Casser l’ambiance
» Doucher l’enthousiasme
» Jouer les trouble-fête
» Plomber l’ambiance
A: Je ne veux pas gâcher ta fête, mais tu as oublié un détail important.
B: Ah mince, dis-moi tout.
English synonyms
» Spoil the fun
» Be a buzzkill
» Kill the vibe
» Bring someone down
» Burst someone's bubble
A: I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but we might have to postpone the trip.
B: Oh no, really?
Dialogue
Sasha: "I finally got the promotion I wanted!"
Leo: "That’s amazing! I hate to rain on your parade, but have you heard about the department restructuring?"
Sasha: "Wait—what? That could change everything!"
Etymology
Origin: The expression rain on someone's parade originated in the United States and draws imagery from literal parades being ruined by rain. It gained popularity in the mid-20th century and was reinforced by its use in pop culture, notably the song “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the 1964 musical Funny Girl.
Audience
The phrase "rain on someone's parade" is common in both casual and semi-formal conversations. It’s often used when someone wants to share inconvenient or disappointing news carefully.
When to use: Use this expression when you need to temper someone’s enthusiasm or reveal a potential problem without sounding too harsh. Example: "I hate to rain on your parade, but we might not get the funding after all."
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary says "If someone rains on your parade, they do something which spoils your plans or spoils an event that you hoped to enjoy." Here's a provided example of use:
"Mom really rained on our parade by chaperoning our school dance."
News Snippet
"This seems to be a common theme – how dare they try and take our game away from us and then proceed to ruin it. Sorry to rain on your parade, Derick, but this is pretty poor logic.
Read the full article at the Daily Maverick
Extra! Extra!
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Video Lesson Two
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Rain on Someone’s Parade"
Rain on Someone’s Parade
To spoil someone’s plans or ruin their moment of happiness or success.
Example: "I hate to rain on your parade, but the event was cancelled."
Burst Someone’s Bubble
To bring someone back to reality by shattering their illusion or optimism.
Example: "He looked so hopeful, I didn’t want to burst his bubble."
Put a Damper On
To reduce the excitement, enjoyment, or enthusiasm of something.
Example: "The sudden power outage put a damper on the celebration."
Throw Cold Water On
To discourage or criticize an idea, plan, or enthusiasm.
Example: "She threw cold water on my vacation plans by pointing out how expensive they’d be."
Kill the Mood
To ruin the atmosphere or feeling, especially one of enjoyment or romance.
Example: "His negative attitude totally killed the mood."
Steal Someone’s Thunder
To take attention or praise away from someone, especially by doing something first.
Example: "She stole his thunder by announcing her promotion before he could."
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