in cold blood: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "in cold blood" has a specific and distinctive meaning. It is used to describe an action or event that is done deliberately and without any emotion or remorse. The term "cold blood" refers to the absence of passion or empathy, emphasizing the calculated nature of the action. This idiom can also be related to several other idioms such as "cold treatment", "cold hand", "give someone the cold shoulder", "cold fish", and "cold shoulder". Let's explore how these idioms relate to the concept of "in cold blood".

The origin of the phrase "in cold blood" can be traced back to the early 16th century, where it appeared in various forms in the English language. However, the phrase became more widely recognized and popularized through the literary works of Truman Capote. In his book titled "In Cold Blood," published in 1966, Capote documents the real-life murder case of the Clutter family in Kansas. The title of the book itself reflects the calculated and heartless nature of the crime.

When we think about the idiom "in cold blood" in relation to the idiom "cold treatment", we can see the connection between deliberate, emotionless action and the way someone is treated. Giving someone the "cold treatment" means deliberately ignoring or neglecting them without any empathy or consideration for their feelings. It is a form of emotional detachment, similar to the calculated nature of an action done "in cold blood".

Similarly, the idiom "cold hand" can also be related to "in cold blood" as it signifies someone who lacks warmth and empathy in their actions. A person with a "cold hand" is someone who is unable to show compassion or offer help to others. They have a detached and calculated approach that resonates with the concept of acting "in cold blood".

Another related idiom is "give someone the cold shoulder", which means deliberately ignoring or snubbing someone in a cold and indifferent manner. This idiom reflects the deliberate lack of empathy and emotional involvement, similar to the calculated and emotionless actions carried out "in cold blood". It is a form of deliberate rejection, devoid of any remorse or compassion.

Similarly, the idiom "cold fish" can be related to "in cold blood". A "cold fish" is someone who lacks warmth or emotional depth, someone who is detached and indifferent in their interactions with others. This reflects the calculated and emotionless nature of an action done "in cold blood". Both idioms reflect a lack of humanity and empathy.

The last related idiom is "cold shoulder", which has a similar meaning to "give someone the cold shoulder". It signifies the deliberate act of ignoring or rejecting someone in a cold and indifferent manner. This indifference and lack of compassion aligns with the calculated and emotionless nature of an action done "in cold blood". Both idioms reflect a lack of empathy and emotional involvement.

The idiom "in cold blood" signifies an act carried out without emotion, remorse, or compassion. Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century, but it gained significant recognition through Truman Capote's novel and subsequent film adaptation. Although commonly associated with acts of violence, it can also be used more generally to describe actions lacking in humanity. The related idioms - "cold treatment", "cold hand", "give someone the cold shoulder", "cold fish", and "cold shoulder" - further emphasize the deliberate, emotionless, and heartless nature of an action done "in cold blood". These idioms reflect a lack of empathy, compassion, and emotional involvement. Despite its well-established meaning, the interpretation and usage of the idiom may still differ among individuals and contexts, allowing for a range of nuanced understandings.