出で鼻ばなをくじく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

spoil someone's start; kill enthusiasm; take the wind out of someone's sails

Idiomatic expression used when someone's initial momentum, excitement, or attempt is abruptly dampened or thwarted.

• 彼かれが話はなし始はじめた途と端たん、部ぶ長ちょうに遮さえぎられて出で鼻ばなをくじかれた。

  Just as he started to speak, the department head cut him off and took the wind out of his sails.