AAAmerican Accent US
Slang dictionary

the cold shoulder

(phrase)Neutral

Deliberate, unfriendly silence — ignoring someone to signal you're upset with them.

In a sentence

  • “She's been giving me the cold shoulder since the argument.”
  • “I won't apologize, but I won't give him the cold shoulder either.”

Also known as

silent treatmentfreeze out

Where it’s used

everyday

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Related slang

bite the bullet

To force yourself through something unpleasant because you have to — to do the hard thing now and get it over with.

the ball is in your court

It's your turn to make a decision or take action — the responsibility has been passed to you.

hit the nail on the head

To say or do exactly the right thing — to pinpoint the truth or solution precisely.

the cold shoulder — American slang definition + audio