Idiom
cold shoulder
Meanings
Intentional unfriendliness or ignoring someone to show disapproval or rejection.
Definition
Deliberate unfriendliness or ignoring someone to show disapproval.
A cold shoulder is a way of treating someone in an unfriendly, distant manner on purpose. It often means you ignore them, avoid conversation, or act as if they are not welcome. People do this to show annoyance, disappointment, or rejection without saying it directly.
Examples
- After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder all weekend.
- I tried to apologize, but my boss still gave me the cold shoulder.
- He got the cold shoulder from his neighbors after the complaint.
- When I asked about the rumor, they all gave me the cold shoulder.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More noun phrases
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- gravy train A gravy train is an easy, steady way to make a lot of money with little effort.
- green thumb A green thumb is a natural skill at growing and caring for plants.
- mug's game A mug's game is an activity that is pointless or likely to end badly for the person doing it.
- level playing field A level playing field is a situation where everyone has the same opportunities and no unfair advant…