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Region: UK | Usage example: He gave her the cold shoulder after the argument.

Give you the cold shoulder

Meaning

Ignore someone deliberately to show disapproval.

Usage

Used to describe social snubbing.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Offering a cold shoulder of meat to unwanted guests.

19th-century British phrase in social etiquette.

Related Idioms

Give someone the cold shoulder

Ignore or snub someone intentionally.

Give someone the cold shoulder

Deliberately ignore someone.

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.