Give Someone the Cold Shoulder Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

To give someone the cold shoulder means to intentionally ignore or treat them with deliberate indifference. It involves refusing to acknowledge someone’s presence, avoiding conversation or interaction with them, and generally displaying a dismissive or aloof attitude. 

This behaviour is often motivated by feelings of anger, resentment, or disapproval towards the person, and is typically used as a passive-aggressive way of expressing one’s displeasure or sending a signal of social exclusion.

Usage with Examples

People may use this idiom in personal relationships, social situations, or even in professional settings to indicate their intentional disregard or avoidance of someone.

• After their argument, Sarah gave her best friend the cold shoulder and refused to speak to her for days.
• Despite his attempts to apologize, the boss gave him the cold shoulder and excluded him from important meetings.
• Whenever I see my ex-boyfriend, I give him the cold shoulder because I don’t want to have anything to do with him.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to the Give Someone the Cold Shoulder 

Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to give someone the cold shoulder:

• Ignore
• Snub
• Shun
• Avoid
• Exclude

Give Someone the Cold Shoulder Idiom Quiz

What does the idiom “Give someone the cold shoulder” mean? 

a) To warmly greet someone 

b) To intentionally ignore or treat someone with indifference 

c) To offer someone a friendly gesture

Answer: (B)

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

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