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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Tell the difference between emotional distance, nervous hesitation, ignoring someone, and kindness that is not openly shown.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Get cold feet” means become nervous about something you had planned to do. “Give someone the cold shoulder” means deliberately ignore them. A “cold fish” is an insulting label for someone who seems emotionally distant, while “cold hands, warm heart” describes a person who may be kind without showing feelings easily. These expressions are not diagnoses or reliable ways to infer someone’s character.
Cultural note: Calling a person “cold-blooded,” “cold-hearted,” or a “cold fish” can be harsh and may unfairly judge someone’s feelings or motives. “Cold-blooded” also has a literal biological meaning for many animals, distinct from its figurative use for a person. The examples do not establish that a quiet person lacks care or that hesitation means someone should cancel a major commitment.
Keep exploringIn these expressions, cold can signal hesitation, social distance, or feelings someone does not openly show.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe becoming unsure about a decision or planned action.
Meaning
Become nervous or afraid about doing something you had planned.
Tone & use
Often used before a significant event or challenge. It describes a feeling, not proof that a decision is wrong.
Example
“She got cold feet before her first public talk, so her friend helped her rehearse once more.”
Recognize ignoring someone and an insulting label for a distant manner.
Meaning
Deliberately ignore someone or refuse to speak to them.
Tone & use
Usually critical. A person may be quiet for many reasons, so do not infer deliberate rejection without context.
Example
“After the disagreement, he gave his former teammate the cold shoulder at the meeting.”
Meaning
An insulting expression for someone who seems unfriendly or does not show much emotion.
Tone & use
Judgmental and often unfair. Prefer describing a specific behavior rather than labeling someone’s personality.
Example
“Rather than call the new manager a cold fish, the staff said she had not yet joined informal conversations.”
Meaning
Uncaring or lacking sympathy, especially in a particular action.
Tone & use
A strong criticism. Use it for a specific behavior only when the context supports that judgment; avoid assumptions about someone’s inner feelings.
Example
“The review called the policy cold-hearted because it offered no help to people facing an emergency.”
Describe a caring person who does not show emotion openly.
Meaning
A saying that someone may be kind even if they do not show their feelings easily.
Tone & use
A reassuring proverb, not a guarantee about anyone’s character. Learn how the person prefers to communicate.
Example
“He rarely says much, but he always offers to help; his sister says he has cold hands and a warm heart.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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