PhrasesHub

In cold blood

    Definitions

      • premeditatedly or deliberately
        To describe a cruel or brutal act that is done intentionally and without any emotion or remorse

      • calmly and without passion
        To describe someone's behavior or actions as being done in a detached, unemotional manner

    Examples of In cold blood

    • The serial killer murdered his victims in cold blood, showing no remorse or emotion.

      This idiom is used to describe a violent act that is deliberately planned and executed without any provocation or justification. The phrase "in cold blood" implies that the killer did not act on impulse or passion, but rather with premeditation and a lack of compassion or empathy for their victims.

    • The president signed the bill into law in cold blood, despite overwhelming opposition from his constituents.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom in a different context, where "in cold blood" is used to describe an action that is calculated and detached, without any consideration for the potential consequences or the feelings of others. The president may have had legitimate reasons for signing the bill, but his decision was made with a lack of emotion or sensitivity to the objections of his constituents.

    • The CEO made the layoffs in cold blood, betraying the loyalty and hard work of his employees.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a decision that is harsh and unsympathetic, particularly in the context of layoffs or terminations. The CEO may have had sound business reasons for letting go of certain employees, but his decision was executed without any regard for the impact on those individuals or the overall morale of the company.

    • The government executed the prisoners in cold blood, disregarding the principles of justice and human rights.

      This final example highlights the severity and brutality of the phrase "in cold blood," particularly in the context of capital punishment or other forms of state-sanctioned violence. The government may have believed that the prisoners were guilty of serious crimes, but the use of the idiom suggests that the executions were carried out without any concern for the sanctity of life or the basic rights of the accused.

    • The serial killer struck again, this time in cold blood. The victim was a completely innocent person, and the killer showed no sign of remorse.

      The phrase "in cold blood" refers to a highly calculated and premeditated murder, committed without any provocation or justification. It suggests that the killer was completely dispassionate and did not feel any remorse or guilt for their actions.

    • The serial killer methodically planned and executed his murders in cold blood, showing no remorse or emotion.

      To act in cold blood is to carry out a deliberate and calculated action without any feeling of guilt, remorse, or emotion. In this example, the serial killer's crimes were committed in a calculating and unemotional way, which is a chilling contrast to the violent and intense nature of the crimes themselves.

    • John's football team lost to their arch-rivals in cold blood, making it all the more galling for the fans to watch.

      In this example, 'in cold blood' does not refer to murder, but to a situation where the outcome is unexpectedly harsh or disappointing. The team's defeat was particularly frustrating because it was so decisive and complete, almost as if the opposition team had planned it with detached, calculating precision.

    • The judge sentenced the defendant to prison in cold blood, despite his pleas for mercy.

      Here, 'in cold blood' is another way of saying 'without pity or mercy'. The judge's decision to imprison the defendant was carried out with a complete lack of compassion or emotion, which makes it all the more harsh and unforgiving.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in cold blood" can be used to convey the idea of premeditated and deliberate actions, often in a cruel or brutal manner, without any emotion or remorse. It can also describe someone's behavior as being calm and unemotional, without any passion.

    Origin of "In cold blood"

    The origin of the idiom "in cold blood" can be traced back to the 16th century, where the word "blood" was often used to refer to emotions and passion. The phrase "in cold blood" originally referred to the idea of a person's blood being cold, suggesting a lack of warmth or emotion. Over time, it came to be associated with premeditated and deliberate actions that were carried out without any emotion or passion.

    One notable reference to the phrase can be found in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," where Mark Antony uses the phrase to describe the murder of Caesar as a cold-blooded act. This usage helped popularize the idiom and cement its meaning in the English language.

    Overall, the idiom "in cold blood" has evolved to convey the idea of deliberate and emotionless actions, and its origin can be linked to the historical use of the word "blood" to signify emotions and passion.