expression, ichidan verb
sprinkle water on; spray water on; splash water on
Literal physical action of applying water to something, often with a light or casual nuance.
庭の花に水をかける。
I sprinkle water on the garden flowers.
子どもがプールで友達に水をかけて遊んでいる。
The children are playing in the pool, splashing water on their friends.
expression, ichidan verb
throw cold water on; hinder; stifle
Idiomatic use: to dampen enthusiasm, spoil a mood, or obstruct a plan. Often used when someone says or does something that cools down an excited atmosphere.
See also: 水をさす
彼の否定的な意見が会議の雰囲気に水をかけた。
His negative opinion threw cold water on the atmosphere of the meeting.
せっかくの楽しい話に水をかけないでよ。
Don't spoil a fun conversation like that.