Give it the cold shoulder 🥶🪞

Meaning

To intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way.

Origin

Picture this: a medieval inn. A weary traveler arrives, hoping for a warm meal and hospitality. Instead of a freshly cooked dish, the innkeeper presents him with a cold cut of meat – the 'cold shoulder' of mutton. This wasn't just stingy; it was a clear signal that the guest was not welcome and should leave. The message was unmistakable, sharp, and chilly. So, when you 'give' someone the cold shoulder, you're essentially serving them a metaphorical plate of rejection, making it clear they're not getting what they hoped for.

🗣️ communication 😠⚔️ anger 😥😔 sadness 🔒 secrets 😨😱 fear

Give it the cold shoulder represented with emoji🥶🪞

This playful pairing of ice 🥶 and a mirror 🪞 invites a dialogue on the subtle art of dismissal. It teaches the viewer that sometimes, a frosty reception is more powerful than a thousand words, transforming a simple gesture into a visual metaphor for social snubbing.

Examples

  • After their argument, she decided to give him the cold shoulder.
  • He tried to apologize, but his boss gave him the cold shoulder.
  • The mischievous gnome, known for his pranks, gave the talking teacup the cold shoulder.
  • Even the grumpy dragon gave the singing knight the cold shoulder, preferring to nap.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'give it the cold shoulder' a relatively new idiom?

No, the phrase 'give it the cold shoulder' has been around for centuries, with its origins tracing back to medieval times. The concept of offering a less desirable, cold portion of food to unwelcomed guests was a known practice.

What's the opposite of 'give it the cold shoulder'?

The opposite of 'give it the cold shoulder' would be to welcome someone warmly or to give them a 'warm reception'. This implies embracing them, showing friendliness, and providing hospitality.

Can 'give it the cold shoulder' be used in non-personal situations?

Yes, 'give it the cold shoulder' can be applied to objects or concepts, signifying a deliberate lack of attention or rejection. For example, a company might 'give the cold shoulder' to a new marketing strategy they deem unprofitable.

Does 'give it the cold shoulder' always imply anger?

Not necessarily anger, but it always implies intentional unfriendliness or a deliberate snub. The feeling behind 'giving the cold shoulder' can range from mild disapproval to strong resentment, but the core is intentional disregard.

Similar to "give it the cold shoulder"

Brush someone off
Both mean to dismiss someone, but 'brush someone off' suggests a quicker, perhaps less intentional, act of dismissal, whereas 'give the cold shoulder' implies a sustained, deliberate unfriendliness
Freeze someone out
Both entail shutting someone out, but 'freeze someone out' often implies a more systematic or group effort to exclude someone, while 'give the cold shoulder' can be a solo act of icy reception
Cut someone dead
Both phrases describe ignoring someone completely, but 'cut someone dead' is a more dramatic and absolute severance of interaction, a starker signal than the lingering, frosty politeness of 'giving the cold shoulder'

Opposite of "give it the cold shoulder"

Roll out the red carpet
This phrase argues for enthusiastic welcome and special treatment, making it a vibrant contrast to the deliberate unfriendliness and neglect inherent in 'giving the cold shoulder'
Bury the hatchet
This advocates for reconciliation and peace, directly opposing the divisive and unfriendly intent of ignoring someone with 'the cold shoulder'

Related to "give it the cold shoulder"

Slam the door in someone's face
This phrase shares the harsh rejection of 'give it the cold shoulder' but depicts a more abrupt and immediate act of exclusion, often accompanied by a literal or figurative slam
Stiff upper lip
While 'give it the cold shoulder' is about *how* you treat others, 'stiff upper lip' is about controlling your own emotional expression, though both can convey a sense of emotional distance
Icy reception
This phrase describes the *result* of giving someone the cold shoulder, painting a vivid picture of the unwelcoming atmosphere created by such treatment
Turn a blind eye
Both phrases involve a form of deliberate non-engagement, but 'turn a blind eye' is about ignoring wrongdoing, while 'give it the cold shoulder' is about social snubbing