[Idiom] GIVE THE COLD SHOULDER. - Learn Ways to Express Deliberate Ignorance
Give the cold shoulder.
/ˈɡɪv ðə koʊld ˈʃoʊldər/
To deliberately ignore someone.
Give the cold shoulder" refers to the act of deliberately ignoring someone or showing them disdain or indifference. Historically, this comes from the practice of showing disfavor by serving a cold shoulder of mutton to an unwanted guest. Nowadays, it reflects the action of turning one's back in dismissal or withholding normal interaction to convey disapproval or punishment.
Example Sentences
She seemed to give the cold shoulder to everyone at the party.
- She intentionally ignored everyone at the gathering.
Tom started to give the cold shoulder after hearing the rumors.
- Tom began ignoring others after hearing some rumors.
When she found out about the betrayal, she decided to give the cold shoulder instead of causing a scene.
- She chose to ignore someone rather than create drama after discovering a betrayal.