Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom in the following sentence.
I really don’t want to pour cold water on your theory but it cannot be applied to real life situations.

Correct option is C

Option (c) is the correct meaning of the given idiom.

Given Idiom: Pour cold water on
Meaning: This idiom means to criticize or express doubt about someone’s enthusiastic idea or plan, thereby discouraging them. (Hindi: किसी योजना या विचार पर पानी फेर देना, किसी की उम्मीदों पर पानी फेरना)

Example:
She was excited about her business proposal, but her boss poured cold water on it by pointing out major flaws.

Other related idioms and their meanings:

• Throw a wet blanket on – To discourage or suppress excitement.
• Burst someone’s bubble – To disillusion someone or break their excitement.
• Shoot down an idea – To reject an idea bluntly.