What does the idiom "Give someone the cold shoulder" mean?
The expression Give someone the cold shoulder is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the Give someone the cold shoulder idiom.
Meaning of "Give someone the cold shoulder"
Meaning
To give someone the cold shoulder is an idiom which is used to describe a situation where someone is deliberately not showing someone else any attention or in some cases actively ignoring them. It is generally used to express the idea of someone not being accepted by a group or community for some reason.
Etymology
The term started to be used in the Middle Ages, where literal cold shoulders of meat were a common dish. During this time, if someone were to refuse this offering or ignore it, it symbolised a disregard for the other person. So, it has been suggested that the phrase has been used to describe a situation where someone is deliberately given the cold shoulder as a sign of hostility or disrespect.
Usage
The phrase is generally used to describe a situation where someone is being deliberately ignored or not accepted due to some reason. It is also used to express feelings of resentment or anger between two parties and in some cases to show disapproval of someone’s behaviour or actions. It is also used to express a sense of disappointment or hurt when someone is not given the attention they expected or deserved.
Example Sentences
- When she arrived at the party, she was given the cold shoulder by her former friends.
- She was given the cold shoulder after she made fun of her classmate.
- He was given the cold shoulder after he was caught lying to his parents.
The power of idioms transcends languages!
"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.
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