cold-shoulder
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cold shoulder
1. noun A display or appearance of disinterest; a snub. This phrase usually refers to the act of ignoring someone. It originated with the 19th-century practice of serving of a cold shoulder of meat to tiresome guests. She thinks you started that rumor about her—that's why she's been giving you the cold shoulder all day. If he's been giving you the cold shoulder, just start ignoring him for a while. See how he likes it. I must have done something really embarrassing at the office party on Friday, because everyone showed me the cold shoulder on Monday.
2. adjective Describing a type of women's shirt that has sleeves but leaves the shoulders exposed. In this usage, the phrase is typically hyphenated. I think I'm too old to be wearing a cold shoulder top like that! Ugh, my mom is being so annoying. A cold-shoulder top is not scandalous—it covers literally every other part of my upper body! I do think cold-shoulder tops are dumb, but they are useful in one situation—when you need to get a shot at the doctor!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cold-shoulder
to ignore someone; to give someone a cool reception. (See also the cold shoulder.) The hostess cold-shouldered me, so I spilt my appetizers in the swimming pool. Tiffany cold-shouldered the guy who was trying to flirt with her.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.