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
- Regular comparative (-er + als 'than')Komparativ regelmäßig (-er + als)
- Superlative (am …-sten)Superlativ (am …-sten)
- Comparison of equality with 'so … wie' (as … as)Vergleich mit so … wie
- Verb 'schmecken' (to taste good, + dative)Verb 'schmecken' (+ Dativ)
Examples
Mit seiner hat er uns die ganze versalzen.
With his complaint he spoiled the whole thing for us.