The cold shoulder Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To deliberately ignore or show indifference to someone, usually to express disapproval, anger, or distance.
Usage & Nuances
Informal idiom. Common collocations: 'give someone the cold shoulder', 'get the cold shoulder'. Refers to social interactions, not physical cold. Often softer than open conflict, but more than just being busy. Do not use it to talk about objects or food.
Example Sentences
She gave me the cold shoulder at the party.
basic
Don’t give your friends the cold shoulder.
basic
After the argument, he got the cold shoulder for a week.
basic
I don’t know what I did wrong, but she’s totally giving me the cold shoulder.
natural
He tried apologizing, but everyone still gave him the cold shoulder.
natural
Sometimes coworkers give the cold shoulder when they’re upset, instead of talking about it.
natural