What does the idiom "give sb the cold shoulder" mean?
Are you using the idiom give sb the cold shoulder but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the give sb the cold shoulder idiom and the situations in which it is used.
Meaning of "give sb the cold shoulder"
Meaning
The idiom ‘give someone the cold shoulder’ is used when you want to show someone that you do not want to talk to them or even be around them. It refers to deliberately ignoring someone and not being friendly or warm towards them. It often used metaphorically, to describe how someone might be treating another person without saying anything directly.
Etymology
The origin of the phrase ‘give someone the cold shoulder’ is attributed to the British author Sir Walter Scott in 1816. The phrase appears in his book, The Antiquary, in which he writes “They gave him the cold shoulder at first, but he soon grew into favor.” The phrase ‘cold shoulder’ was originally used as a way to describe a literal cold shoulder or lack of welcome or hospitality which was served to a dining guest. It has since been adapted to be used metaphorically to describe a lack of welcome or hospitality in other aspects of life.
Usage
The phrase ‘give someone the cold shoulder’ is often used in casual conversation to talk about someone who is deliberately being ignored or excluded. It can be used to describe a person who is deliberately avoiding someone else, or to describe a situation where a person is not being welcomed or accepted.
Example Sentences
- She gave me the cold shoulder when I tried to talk to her at the party.
- My boss has been giving me the cold shoulder lately, I think she's angry with me.
- I'm not sure why my friend gave me the cold shoulder when I asked her to hang out.
- John got the cold shoulder from his co-workers when he returned from vacation.
From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms
English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.
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