cold-shoulder
- to snub; show indifference to.
Origin of cold-shoulder
cold shoulder
- a show of deliberate indifference or disregard.
Origin of cold shoulder
Examples from the Web for cold-shoulder
Historical Examples
As to Frances, she behaved abominably, and turned the cold-shoulder to everybody.
It May Be True Volume 1 of 3Mrs. Wood
Swift does not at once fascinate and cold-shoulder him as he does to so many people.
The Art of LettersRobert Lynd
One doesn't realize these things at first—neither of you will, till you see how dreadfully Society can cold-shoulder.
BeyondJohn Galsworthy
cold shoulder
- the cold shoulder a show of indifference; a slight
- to treat with indifference
Word Origin and History for cold-shoulder
cold shoulder
n.
1816, in the figurative sense of "icy reception," first in Sir Walter Scott, probably originally a literal figure, but commonly used with a punning reference to "cold shoulder of mutton," considered a poor man's dish and thus, perhaps, something one would set out for an unwanted guest with deliberate intention to convey displeasure.
How often have we admired the poor knight, who, to avoid the snares of bribery and dependence, was found making a second dinner from a cold shoulder of mutton, above the most affluent courtier, who had sold himself to others for a splendid pension! ["No Fiction," 1820]
cold shoulder
To “give someone the cold shoulder” is to ignore someone deliberately: “At the party, Carl tried to talk to Suzanne, but she gave him the cold shoulder.”
Idioms and Phrases with cold-shoulder
cold shoulder
Deliberate coldness or disregard, a slight or snub. For example, When I said hello to her in the library, she gave me the cold shoulder and walked away. This term, which first appeared in writings by Sir Walter Scott and others, supposedly alludes to the custom of welcoming a desired guest with a meal of roasted meat, but serving only a cold shoulder of beef or lamb—a far inferior dish—to those who outstayed their welcome. [Early 1800s]