give someone the cold shoulder
Freeze someone out
To give someone the cold shoulder is to deliberately ignore or treat them with unfriendly aloofness.
The expression suggests a physical turning away, presenting one's shoulder rather than facing someone warmly.
It implies intentional snubbing rather than mere inattention.
After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for weeks.
I tried to apologize but he just gave me the cold shoulder.
- brush offDismissive rejection of someone
- ignoreRefuse to notice
- look right throughDeliberately not acknowledge someone
- snubDeliberate dismissive rejection
- spurnRefuse with contempt
freeze out · shun · silent treatment · rebuff · coldshoulder · stonewalling · ostracize · send to Coventry · cut · coldness · dismissal · cutting ties · disdain · rejection · shut the door · aloofness · keep at arm's length · sidelining
give someone the cold shoulderembrace
Hold closely in arms
welcome · roll out the red carpet · accept · include · befriend
give someone the cold shoulderengage
Actively participate or connect
acknowledge · give the time of day · seek out · pursue · hang on every word
givers, someone, colder, coldest, coldly, shoulder, shoulders, shouldered, shouldering