The agent finally came in from the cold after years abroad.
come in from the cold
idiomOf a spy: to return home after having gone undercover in enemy territory.
Origin
first recorded 20th c.Literally, the term refers to someone who is outdoors when the weather is cold coming indoors to a warm place. The idiomatic senses were popularized by the title of the novel The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963) by the British author John le Carré (1931–2020); “the Cold” is a pun on the Cold War, during which the novel is set.
After spending a decade working undercover in a hostile country, the spy was finally allowed to come in from the cold.
The intelligence agency offered him a quiet retirement, provided he was ready to come in from the cold and leave his dangerous life behind.
- 01
a cold day in July
The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.
- 02
appetite comes with eating
Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.
- 03
as they come
As it is possible to be.
- 04
blow hot and cold
To behave inconsistently; to vacillate or to waver, as between extremes of opinion or emotion.
- 05
blow to kingdom come
To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).
- 06
burn that bridge when one comes to it
To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.
- 07
catch a cold
To contract a cold.
- 08
Christmas come early
Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.
Last updated April 17, 2026