The idiom "in cold blood" means to do something cruel, ruthless, or unemotional, especially to kill someone without feeling or mercy.
In short:
- It implies that someone acts in a heartless, merciless, or emotionless way.
- It usually pertains to taking someone's life without any pity or remorse.
The idiom "in cold blood" describes an action that is deliberately unfeeling or heartless, usually with a negative connotation. It is most often associated with murder or violence, but it can also be used for other types of actions that show a lack of sympathy or compassion.
The idiom "in cold blood" originated from the early modern period, when people believed that blood was the seat of emotion and that its temperature varied according to one's mood or state of mind. According to this theory, hot blood indicates passion, anger, or excitement, while cold blood indicates calmness, rationality, or indifference. Therefore, doing something in cold blood meant doing it without emotion or feeling.
Furthermore, the idiom became popular after Truman Capote published his nonfiction novel "In Cold Blood" in 1966. The book told the true story of the brutal murders of four members of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, by two drifters named Perry Smith and Dick Hickock.
"The cold blood he did naturally inherit of his father."
—excerpt from Shakespeare's play "Henry IV Part II," in 1600
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:
Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of popular culture:
Here are some synonyms or alternative ways to say this idiom:
Here are some common questions that people may have about this idiom:
The idiom "in cold blood" means to do something cruel, ruthless, or unemotional, especially to kill someone without feeling or mercy.
The idiom "in cold blood" originated from the early modern period, when people believed that blood was the seat of emotion and that its temperature varied according to one's mood or state of mind.
Yes, the idiom "in cold blood" always has a negative connotation and implies a lack of morality or humanity. It is usually used to criticize or condemn someone's action as evil or wicked.
Yes, the idiom "in cold blood" can be used for animals, especially when humans kill or harm them for no reason or selfish motives.
The idiom "in cold blood" is an adverbial phrase that modifies an action or verb, while "cold-blooded" is an adjective that modifies a noun or pronoun.
Some antonyms or opposite expressions of "in cold blood" are "in the heat of passion," "with sympathy," "with mercy," and "with compassion."
You can use "in cold blood" in a question by placing it after the verb or action you are asking about.
Example: Did he really kill her in cold blood?
The idiom "in cold blood" is a metaphor, a figure of speech that compares two things that are not alike but share some typical quality or idea. A metaphor does not use the words "like" or "as" to make the comparison.
Yes, you can use "in cold blood" in formal writing as long as it is appropriate for the context and tone of your writing. The idiom "in cold blood" is not slang or informal but a literary expression many writers and speakers have used for centuries. However, you should be careful not to overuse or use it vaguely or exaggeratedly. You should also explain or support your claim if you accuse someone of doing something in cold blood.
Yes, you can use "in cold blood" in other languages as long as an equivalent expression or translation conveys the same meaning and nuance. However, you should be aware that different languages may have different ways of expressing the idea of doing something cruelly or unemotionally and that some idioms may not have direct translations.
The idiom "in cold blood" is a powerful and expressive way of describing an action that is cruel, ruthless, or unemotional, especially to kill someone without feeling or mercy.
In summary:
