Meaning
「Give a cold shoulder」とは、誰かに冷たい態度を取ること、またはわざと無視することを意味します。この表現は、相手に対して興味や関心を示さず、距離を置くような行動を指します。
例えば、友人が何かの理由であなたに腹を立てていて、あなたが話しかけても反応がない、またはそっけない態度を取る場合、「彼は私に冷たい態度を取っている」と言うことができます。このような状況で「Give a cold shoulder」というフレーズが使われます。
この表現は、日常会話でもよく使用され、特に人間関係のトラブルや誤解が生じた際に見られる行動を説明するのに便利です。誰かに「Give a cold shoulder」することで、自分の不満や距離を置きたいという気持ちを無言で伝えることができます。
Example
I got into an argument with my girlfriend and she's been giving me the cold shoulder all week.
I said hi to her at the grocery store and she completely ignored me. Talk about getting a cold shoulder.
How rude! He said hi to everyone at the table except me. He totally gave me the cold shoulder.
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
