jemandem die Suppe versalzen
to spoil someone's plans; to ruin it for someone
Origin
Figuratively after the over-salted, inedible soup that ruins someone's enjoyment; transferred to thwarting plans. Attested since the 16th c.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Pronoun 'ich' (I, nominative)Pronomen 'ich' (Nominativ)
- Pronoun 'wir' (we, nominative)Pronomen 'wir' (Nominativ)
- Verb 'sein' (to be), present: er/sie/es ist (he/she/it is)Verb 'sein' im Präsens: er/sie/es ist
- Regular verbs: ich-form (stem + -e)Regelmäßige Verben: ich-Form (Stamm + -e)
Examples
Mit seiner hat er uns die ganze versalzen.
With his complaint he spoiled the whole thing for us.