give someone the cold shoulder: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give someone the cold shoulder’ mean?
The idiom give someone the cold shoulder means to intentionally ignore or show indifference towards someone, usually as a form of punishment or protest.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw cold water on" means to discourage or dampen enthusiasm for an idea or plan.
The idiom "leave someone out in the cold" means to exclude or neglect someone, leaving them feeling alone, ignored, or abandoned.
The idiom "keep someone on ice" means to delay or postpone something, typically a decision or action involving someone, usually to wait and see how a situation develops before taking any further action.
The idiom "in cold blood" means to do something in a ruthless and calculated manner, without any remorse or emotion. It is often used to describe a cruel or violent act that is done deliberately and without any compassion.
The idiom "hot and cold" means to be inconsistent or indecisive in one's actions or feelings.
The idiom "grow cold" means to lose interest, enthusiasm, or affection for something or someone over time.
The idiom "give someone the business" means to scold or reprimand someone severely, often in an intimidating or forceful manner.
The idiom "give someone the brush-off" means to dismiss or reject someone in an abrupt or unceremonious manner, usually through indifference or rudeness.
The idiom "give someone grief" means to continuously cause trouble or annoyance to someone, often by criticizing or complaining about their actions or behavior.
The idiom "give someone a hard time" means to be critical, teasing, or causing difficulties for someone deliberately or persistently, often in an annoying or unpleasant manner.
Decoding Rejected Nonchalance
Give someone the cold shoulder is an idiom that means to intentionally ignore or show indifference towards someone. The phrase is commonly used in English-speaking countries, including the United States.
The origin of the idiom is believed to come from the practice of serving unwelcome guests a cold shoulder of meat instead of a warm and hearty meal. In the past, meat was considered a superior dish and was usually served warm to honor guests. However, if someone was not welcome or wanted to display their displeasure towards them, they would serve them a cold shoulder, which was a less appetizing and less prestigious dish.
Over time, the meaning of serving someone a cold shoulder expanded to include any actions or behavior that conveys coldness, indifference, or intentional disregard. This could manifest as deliberately ignoring someone's greetings, avoiding eye contact, refusing to engage in conversation, or giving curt and minimal responses.
Today, the idiom is commonly used in various situations to indicate a deliberate snub or rejection. It can be used in personal relationships, social situations, or even professional contexts. The cold shoulder is seen as a passive-aggressive way to show disapproval or communicate a lack of interest or acceptance.
The related idiom "cold shoulder" is synonymous with give someone the cold shoulder. It refers to the act of intentionally ignoring or disregarding someone. The cold shoulder can also be used to describe the treatment one receives when they are purposefully excluded or ostracized.
The related idiom "cold treatment" is similar to give someone the cold shoulder in that it involves intentionally ignoring or showing indifference towards someone. However, cold treatment can also refer to any kind of aloof or unfriendly behavior. It encompasses actions like snubbing, excluding, or acting in an unfriendly manner towards someone.
It's worth noting that giving someone the cold shoulder implies a deliberate act on the part of the person showing indifference. Unlike unintentional neglect or overlooking, this idiom emphasizes the purposeful nature of the disregard.
While the idiom has a clear and widely understood meaning, its exact origins are still a matter of speculation. The metaphorical use of the phrase emerged in the early 19th century, but there are no definitive records of its first usage. As with many idioms, the exact moment of its conception remains elusive.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origin, the idiom give someone the cold shoulder remains a popular and widely recognized phrase. Its metaphorical power continues to convey a sense of intentional rejection, making it a valuable addition to the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give someone the cold shoulder" can be used in a sentence:
- After years of friendship, she suddenly gave me the cold shoulder and stopped talking to me.
- When I approached him with my idea, he gave me the cold shoulder and dismissed it without listening.
- At the party, he saw his ex-girlfriend and decided to give her the cold shoulder, ignoring her completely.
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