Figurative meaning
deliberately and without compassion, especially when committing violence or cruelty
Word picture
Blood is pictured as cold, suggesting a complete absence of warmth, sympathy, or sudden passion.
Example
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
blood and guts
CEFR B2graphic violence and gore shown in a film, book, or similar work
cold comfort
CEFR C1Consolation that offers little real relief in a painful or difficult situation.
come in from the cold
CEFR C1to regain safety or acceptance after living in secrecy, isolation, or exclusion
drive someone up the wall
CEFR B1to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated
sick and tired
CEFR B1extremely annoyed with someone or something and unwilling to tolerate it any longer
add fuel to the fire
CEFR B2To make a bad situation or an argument worse.
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.