running hot and cold
Alternating between extremes
Running hot and cold describes inconsistent behavior or feelings—alternating between enthusiasm and indifference, affection and coldness.
The phrase evokes water temperature that won't stabilize: She's been running hot and cold about the job offer.
Someone who runs hot and cold keeps others guessing about where they stand.
- ambivalentHaving contradictory feelings
- mixed signalsContradictory indications from someone
- unclearNot easily understood
- seesawPivoting playground plank
- on again off againInconsistent and recurring
open · tentative · inconsistent · hesitant · ebb and flow · yin-yang · mood swings · pendulum · push and pull · extremes · love hate relationship · blowing hot and cold · vacillating · fluctuating · up and down · polarity · shivering · fickleness
running hot and coldsteady
Fixed, not fluctuating
consistent · constant · unwavering · reliable · dependable
running hot and coldall in
Fully committed, nothing reserved
fully committed · reliable · dependable · steadfast · devoted