ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cast a chill

idiom
Meaning

To provoke an uneasy feeling which stops a conversation, as by an uncalled act or word.


Examples
SIMPLE

His rude comment cast a chill over the entire room.

CONTEXTUAL

When she mentioned the unpaid debts, it cast a chill over the dinner party and everyone stopped talking.

COMPLEX

The sudden, unexpected arrival of the estranged brother cast a chill over the gathering, silencing the laughter that had filled the hall only moments before.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cast a shadow

    To dampen future events.

  2. 02

    cast aside

    Synonym of discard.

  3. 03

    cast aspersions

    To make damaging or spiteful remarks.

  4. 04

    cast in concrete

    solidly established, very difficult to alter

  5. 05

    cast in someone's teeth

    To accuse someone of something, or reproach them for it.

  6. 06

    cast loose

    To unfasten, loosen, or set free.

  7. 07

    cast of thousands

    A large number of people in one place or carrying out one action.

  8. 08

    cast one's bread upon the waters

    To perform a kind deed or favor without the motivation of any immediate reward or benefit to oneself, though with the possibility of eventual future return.

© 2026 English Reference