Hot and cold Meaning in English
expression
Definition
"Hot and cold" is an expression describing physical temperatures or, more commonly, someone whose feelings or behavior change quickly from one extreme to another.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Commonly used as 'be hot and cold' about people who behave unpredictably, especially in relationships (‘She runs hot and cold’). Also used for literal temperature change, but emotional meaning is more frequent in conversation. Distinct from ‘mixed signals’: 'hot and cold' stresses sudden or repeated changes.
Example Sentences
He is hot and cold with his friends.
basic
The shower water runs hot and cold.
basic
Her feelings go hot and cold very quickly.
basic
One day she's really friendly, the next she's distant—she really runs hot and cold.
natural
I'm tired of his hot and cold attitude—it's confusing.
natural
The weather in spring can be hot and cold in the same week.
natural