in from the cold
Back in favor
In from the cold describes being welcomed back after exclusion or isolation, especially into a group or position of trust.
The phrase evokes someone left outside in harsh conditions finally being admitted to warmth and shelter.
It appears frequently in espionage contexts—a spy brought in from the cold is recalled from dangerous field work or rehabilitated after disgrace: After years of exile, the dissident was finally brought in from the cold.
- spy novelFiction about secret agents
- detenteRelaxation of strained relations
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- healingRestoration of health
- refugePlace of safety
protection · inclusion · rapprochement · peace talks · negotiation · connection · amnesty · reconciliation · haven · repatriation · welcome back · warm welcome · open arms · sanctuary · normalization · defector · safe house · alliance
in from the coldostracized
Excluded from a group
out in the cold · shunned · excluded · cast out · blackballed
in from the coldout in the cold
sidelined · benched · shelved · passed over · put out to pasture
in from the coldout in the cold
left in the cold · in the dark · on the outside looking in · in limbo · adrift