idiom
give someone the cold shoulder
GIV sum-wun thuh KOHLD SHOHL-der
ɡɪv ˈsʌmwʌn ðə koʊld ˈʃoʊldərListen
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Syllable breakdown
givesomeonethecoldshoulder
Dictionary meaning
To deliberately ignore or treat someone in an unfriendly way; to snub or ostracize someone.
History and origin
Possibly from the practice of serving a cold shoulder of meat (leftover meat) to an unwelcome guest, rather than a freshly prepared warm meal.
Examples
- Ever since the argument, she's been giving me the cold shoulder at the office.
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