a) You’re such a killjoy !
Well done ! That’s the right answer.
’to be a wet blanket’ means to be a person whose low spirits or lack of enthusiasm have a depressing effect on others. The expression is rather informal. When talking about situations, a wet blanket is a boring or unpleasant one, which one would rather not be part of.
French translation
un rabat-joie, trouble-fête, quelqu’un ou quelque chose qui casse l’ambiance
How NOT to translate : *être une couverture mouillée
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Examples in context
‘An affair to forget
Ever since Helen Mirren succeeded in winning sympathy for the Queen, there’s been a market for films that suggest royals and presidents are people just like us - banally true in one sense and clearly false in another.
…
Nelson and Michell are stretching the historical truth here, since the nature of Roosevelt and Suckley’s relationship remains unknown. But, in any case, there’s no reason Margaret had to be such a wet blanket : once the guests arrive she spends her time moping around the edges of the story, waiting to be included.’
Mudgee Guardian, 28 May 2013
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‘Wet blanket on hot, balmy days ahead for Tayside
What a difference a day makes. Taysiders had been basking in sunshine but from today weather conditions were set to take a turn for the worst.
Heavy rain is forecast to hit the region today and the wet weather is set to continue throughout the rest of the week.’
Evening Telegraph, 9 May 2013
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‘In praise of … clinging on to the blanket
People dodging reality were once accused of pulling the blankets over their heads. Just recently that has changed to hiding under the duvet. One need not be a wet blanket to fear that the onward march of the duvet may have dire implications for British metaphor, too. Must a blanket of cloud become a duvet of cloud, a blanket finish in racing become a duvet finish, blanket coverage in journalism and advertising be redesignated duvet coverage ? Or the traditional Christmas accompaniment to the turkey known as a pig in a blanket have to undergo duvetisation, too ? Some usages – born on the wrong side of the blanket, for an illegitimate child – are probably dead already.’
The Guardian, 3 March 2013
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Everyday usage
I hate to sound like a wet blanket, but that’s a really silly idea.
Why don’t you want to come with us. You’re about as much fun as a wet blanket.
It would certainly throw a huge wet blanket on development of cable and Internet if those safe harbours didn’t exist.
b) You’re really funny !
Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.
c) You’re such a burden !
Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.
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