This idiom describes deflating someone’s confidence, enthusiasm, or momentum, as if removing the wind that powers a ship’s sails, leaving it stalled. It conveys a sudden setback or discouragement, often used in personal, competitive, or professional contexts to depict loss of drive. The phrase carries a tone of disappointment, sabotage, or reality-check, reflecting cultural values of resilience and the human tendency to be derailed by criticism. Its nautical imagery evokes a halted journey, resonating in scenarios like arguments or failures. The idiom captures emotional deflation, making it a vivid metaphor for losing steam.

The phrase originated in 19th-century Britain, tied to naval warfare where ships stole wind from rivals’ sails to slow them, as noted in maritime logs. Its metaphorical use emerged in the 1830s, with *The Times* (1840s) using it for political setbacks. The idiom gained traction in the late 19th century, amplified by literature, notably in Herman Melville’s *Moby-Dick* (1851). Its spread was boosted by 20th-century media, especially in sports and politics, enduring in English-speaking cultures for its vivid imagery and relevance to discouragement.