ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cold shoulder

idiom
Meaning

A deliberate act of disrespect; a slight or snub.


Origin

disputed origin

See give someone the cold shoulder.

Examples
SIMPLE

He gave me the cold shoulder at the party.

CONTEXTUAL

I tried to apologize for the argument, but she gave me the cold shoulder all day.

COMPLEX

Despite his attempts to reconcile after their public disagreement, his former colleague continued to offer him the cold shoulder throughout the entire conference.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a cold day in July

    The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.

  2. 02

    blow hot and cold

    To behave inconsistently; to vacillate or to waver, as between extremes of opinion or emotion.

  3. 03

    catch a cold

    To contract a cold.

  4. 04

    chip on one's shoulder

    A habitually combative attitude, usually because of a harbored grievance, a sense of inferiority, or a desire to prove something.

  5. 05

    cold cash

    Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.

  6. 06

    cold chills

    Feelings of fear.

  7. 07

    cold comfort

    Much less reassurance, consolation, aid, or pleasure than one needs or desires.

  8. 08

    cold day in Hell

    The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.

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