cold shoulder
Used fig., chiefly in the phrase to show the cold shoulder, explained in the Glossary to the Antiquary as ‘To appear cold and reserved’; now also to give the cold shoulder: to display intentional and marked coldness, or studied indifference.
(A ‘cold shoulder of mutton’ as a dish has suggested many puns and allusive uses.)
| 1816 Scott Antiq. xxxiii, ‘The Countess's dislike didna gang farther at first than just showing o' the cauld shouther.’ 1824 ― St. Ronan's xxx, ‘I must tip him the cold shoulder, or he will be pestering me eternally.’ 1840 Dickens Old C. Shop lxvi, He gives me the cold shoulder on this very matter. 1860 Thackeray Lovel i, [She] got to dislike me at last and to show me the cold shoulder. 1864 Reader 611 The cold shoulder given from the Admiralty. 1884 Illust. Lond. News 9 Feb. 137/1 The cold shoulder is not a palatable dish. |