one’s blood runs cold: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘one's blood runs cold’ mean?
The idiom "one's blood runs cold" means to feel a sudden intense fear or shock that causes a chilling or freezing feeling in one's body.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "on pins and needles" means to feel extremely anxious or nervous, often because of anticipation or uncertainty about something.
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The idiom "one's heart in one's mouth" means to be extremely anxious or fearful.
The idiom "one's heart in one's mouth" is an expression commonly used in the English language. It is known to convey a sense of fear, anxiety, or anticipation, often associated with a sudden or unexpected event. While the origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, it is believed to have its roots in ancient Greek and Roman culture.
The idiom "one's blood is up" means to be extremely angry or excited, often as a result of feeling provoked or challenged. It is a figurative expression that suggests a heightened state of emotion or intensity.
The idiom "one's bark is worse than one's bite" means that someone may sound or appear threatening, but they are not actually as dangerous or harmful as they seem.
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Decoding Cold Fear
The idiom "one's blood runs cold" is often used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear or dread. It can be triggered by something shocking, horrifying, or disturbing. The idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts and is a powerful tool for expressing fear or dread.
The exact origin of the idiom "one's blood runs cold" is uncertain. However, its literal meaning can be traced back to the belief that the cold sensation in the blood is a physical reaction to fear. This belief stems from the idea that emotions are closely connected to bodily sensations.
The idiom's versatility and ability to evoke a vivid mental image make it a powerful tool for expressing fear or dread. It can be used to describe the sudden and intense emotional response to a frightening or chilling experience. One interpretation of the idiom is that it symbolizes the immediate physiological change that occurs as a result of fear, preparing the body for action.
Furthermore, the idiom can also convey a sense of powerlessness or helplessness in the face of something horrifying. The sudden chill in the blood may symbolize the loss of control or the paralysis that fear can induce.
It is worth noting that the idiom "one's blood runs cold" is part of a larger body of idiomatic expressions that use the concept of temperature to convey emotions. Other idioms, such as "make someone's blood run cold" and "catch one's death," similarly employ temperature-related imagery to express different emotional states.
The idiom "make someone's blood run cold" can be used to describe the act of causing someone to experience a sudden and intense feeling of fear or dread. It implies that the action or information being conveyed is shocking, horrifying, or disturbing. This idiom emphasizes the power of a certain event or revelation to evoke a strong emotional response.
The idiom "catch one's death" is often used to warn someone about the potentially harmful or dangerous consequences of an action. It suggests that engaging in a certain behavior or being exposed to a specific situation could lead to extreme discomfort, illness, or even death. The idiom serves as a cautionary statement, urging individuals to avoid risky situations or take necessary precautions.
The idiom "one's blood runs cold" is a powerful expression that captures the intense and immediate emotional response to fear or dread. While its exact origin remains uncertain, its figurative meaning resonates with its ability to evoke vivid images and convey the profound effects of fear on the human body and mind. This idiom, along with others like "make someone's blood run cold" and "catch one's death," showcase the creative ways in which language uses temperature-related imagery to express emotions and convey important messages.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom one's blood runs cold can be used in a sentence:
- When she heard a noise in the middle of the night, her blood ran cold with fear.
- The detective's blood ran cold when he discovered the murderer's chilling confession.
- As the roller coaster climbed higher and higher, his blood ran cold with both excitement and apprehension.
The phrase "one's blood runs cold" typically indicates a sudden feeling of fear, shock, or dread. It can describe a physical sensation where the blood seems to constrict or freeze due to a particular event or realization. The idiom is often used to convey a strong emotional reaction, often associated with a sinister or alarming situation.
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