cold fire
Luminescence without heat
Cold fire describes light or luminescence without heat—the glow of fireflies, phosphorescent sea creatures, or certain chemical reactions.
The phrase also names a theatrical effect: flames that actors can safely touch because they produce no actual heat.
Figuratively, cold fire suggests passion that appears intense but lacks warmth: Her eyes held a cold fire that made him uneasy.
- chillCold sensation or relaxation
- shiverInvoluntary trembling sensation
- freezingExtremely cold
- numbnessLoss of sensation
- chemiluminescenceLight from molecular reactions
burning ice · paradox · phosphorescence · contradiction · foxfire · Petrarchan · love poem · alchemy · witches' brew · frostbite · frigid · metaphor · hypothermia · ice · divine spark · eternal flame · emotion · duality
- oxymoronsbittersweet, deafening silence, pretty ugly, living dead, act naturally