← Back to collection
Region: UK | Usage example: After the argument they gave him the cold shoulder.

Give someone the cold shoulder

Meaning

Deliberately ignore someone.

Usage

Used when refusing to engage socially.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Serving a cold shoulder of meat to unwanted guests.

Term appears in 19th-century British etiquette writing.

Related Idioms

Give someone the cold shoulder

Ignore or snub someone intentionally.

Give you the cold shoulder

Ignore someone deliberately to show disapproval.

Cold shoulder

Deliberately ignore someone.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.