Tongue in Cheek?
The U.S. Public Health Service admits to frustration in its attempts to 
destroy the cockroach. As soon as the scientists devise a new puissant
chemical, some bugs succumb. But the hardy ones survive and breed a 
resistant strain. Since average female produces close to three hundred
descendants, little hope is held out to a final solution to the roach problem.
Nevertheless, extermination campaigns continue unabated. Surprisingly, some
sentimental souls become maudlin as they consider the persecution of the 
insects. One writer noted for his levity made a lugubrious plea for a crash
program of aid for the roach, calling him "a victim of his slum environment."


to take the wind out of one's sails--Although Edna was bristling with anger
when she stormed in, I took the wind out of her sails by voicing my own
displeasure at the way she had been treated.
(to remove someone's advantage.)