stone cold: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stone cold’ mean?
The idiom "stone cold" means completely cold or lacking any warmth or emotion. It can also refer to someone being completely motionless or still, often used to describe a dead body.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stop dead" means to suddenly and completely stop moving or doing something, often due to shock, surprise, or fear.
The idiom "stop dead" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It describes a sudden and complete cessation of movement or action. When someone "stops dead," they come to an abrupt halt, freezing in their tracks.
The idiom "stone dead" means completely and utterly lifeless or without any sign of life. It is often used to describe something or someone that is completely motionless, inactive, or devoid of any vitality or energy.
The idiom "stock-still" means completely motionless or still, resembling a fixed position like a statue. It indicates a complete absence of movement or action.
The idiom "steely-eyed" means to have a determined and focused gaze, typically indicating resolve, determination, or intensity.
The idiom "set in stone" means something that is fixed, unchangeable, or permanent, unable to be altered or modified.
The idiom "set in stone" is derived from the literal meaning of setting something, typically words or images, in stone as a permanent record. It conveys the idea of something being fixed, unchangeable, or permanent. The phrase is often used when discussing plans, rules, or decisions that cannot be altered or reversed.
The idiom "out cold" means to be unconscious, usually from a blow to the head or excessive fatigue. It implies a complete loss of consciousness and the inability to respond or awaken.
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.
The idiom "in cold blood" means to do something in a ruthless and calculated manner, without any remorse or emotion. It is often used to describe a cruel or violent act that is done deliberately and without any compassion.
The idiom "ice cool" means to remain calm and composed, especially in situations that may provoke anger or anxiety. It reflects a state of emotional detachment and control, similar to the coolness of ice.
The idiom "ice-calm" means to be extremely calm and composed in a difficult or tense situation.
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Stone cold is an idiom that is commonly used in the English language with multiple meanings and interpretations depending on the context. One of the meanings of stone cold is to describe something or someone as completely cold. It can refer to the temperature of an object, such as stone cold ice, indicating that the ice is extremely cold. This use of stone cold can also be metaphorical, describing a person as emotionally cold or lacking warmth. For example, someone could be described as having a heart of stone, meaning that they lack compassion or emotion.
Another usage of the idiom stone cold is to describe someone or something as motionless or still. It suggests a state of complete immobility or lack of response. For instance, if someone is described as being stone cold silent, it means that they are not speaking or making any noise. This use of stone cold can also extend to the state of being "out cold," which means to be unconscious or completely unresponsive.
The idiom stone cold can also be used to describe a situation or event as being without any doubt or uncertainty. When something is referred to as a stone cold fact or a stone cold truth, it implies that it is unquestionable and indisputable. This use of stone cold emphasizes the certainty and clarity of the information being discussed.
It is believed that the origin of the idiom stone cold can be traced back to the Old English usage of the word "stone" to describe something as unfeeling or hard-hearted. Over time, the phrase stone cold emerged as a metaphorical expression to convey a similar meaning of emotional coldness or lack of response. The idiomatic use of stone cold has evolved to encompass various aspects of coldness, certainty, and emotional detachment.
Stone cold is a versatile idiom that can be used in different contexts to convey a range of meanings. Whether used to describe extreme coldness, emotional detachment, or certainty, this idiom adds depth and clarity to the English language. Its origins in the Old English usage of the word "stone" provide insight into its metaphorical meanings. By incorporating the idiomatic expressions "stone dead," "heart of stone," and "out cold," we further explore the nuances and versatility of the stone cold idiom in everyday conversation.
Stone cold can also be used to describe death. When something or someone is stone dead, it means that they are completely and without a doubt deceased. This use of stone cold emphasizes the finality and absolute nature of death. Whether used to describe the icy temperature, emotional coldness, stillness, certainty, or death, the idiom stone cold continues to be a valuable tool for expressing a range of concepts in the English language.
The idiom stone cold is a commonly used expression in the English language with multiple meanings and interpretations. Whether used to describe extreme coldness, emotional detachment, stillness, certainty, or death, this idiom adds depth and clarity to the English language. Its origins in the Old English usage of the word "stone" provide insight into its metaphorical meanings. By incorporating related idioms such as "stone dead," "heart of stone," and "out cold," we further explore the nuances and versatility of the stone cold idiom in everyday conversation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "stone cold" can be used in a sentence:
- She remained stone cold throughout the entire session, showing no emotion whatsoever.
- The ice cream I left on the counter is now stone cold.
- After hours of running, his legs felt stone cold and numb.
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