ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stone cold

idiom
Meaning

Very cold (literally); lacking any semblance of warmth.


Origin

disputed origin

The literal sense reflects the archetype of stone: it is usually cold to the touch and often quite cold. The figurative senses emphasize the high degree of coldness or of certainty.

Examples
SIMPLE

My coffee is stone cold now.

CONTEXTUAL

He left his dinner on the table for an hour, and now it is stone cold.

COMPLEX

Despite the fire burning in the hearth, the room felt stone cold, reflecting the icy silence between the two guests.

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

    carved in stone

    Unchangeable.

  4. 04

    cast the first stone

    To act self-righteously in accusing another person, believing oneself to be blameless.

  5. 05

    catch a cold

    To contract a cold.

  6. 06

    cold cash

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

  7. 07

    cold chills

    Feelings of fear.

  8. 08

    cold comfort

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

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