English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Blow hot and cold
Meaning
The idiom "blow hot and cold" refers to someone or something that alternates between being very affectionate or friendly, and then being distant or unfriendly. It means someone who is inconsistent in their behavior towards others. This idiom can also be used to describe a situation that is unpredictable and constantly changing.
Usage
- John always blows hot and cold with his girlfriend. One day he'll shower her with affection and compliments, and the next he'll be distant and cold.
- The weather in this city blows hot and cold all year round. It can be scorching in the summer and freezing in the winter.
- The stock market has been blowing hot and cold for the past few months. Some days it goes up, and other days it goes down.
- My boss is known to blow hot and cold with his employees. He'll praise them one day and criticize them the next.
- I don't like going to parties that blow hot and cold. It's either everyone is having a great time, or no one is having any fun at all.
Roots and History
The idiom "blow hot and cold" originated in the 17th century and was used to describe someone who had a feverish temperature that would fluctuate from hot to cold. This idiom then evolved to refer to someone who is inconsistent in their behavior towards others. The idiom has been used consistently throughout its history, and its meaning has remained relatively stable over time.
Synonyms in English
- Unpredictable
- Inconsistent
- Flip-flop
- Two-faced
- Jekyll and Hyde
Synonyms in other languages
- Enigmatic (French) - This refers to someone who is difficult to understand and unpredictable.
- Schizophrenic (Greek) - This refers to someone who has multiple personality traits and behaves inconsistently.
- Kaleidoscopic (Greek) - This refers to something that changes in color or shape rapidly.
- Unstable (Spanish) - This refers to someone or something that is subject to sudden changes and can be unpredictable.
- Flip-flop (Swedish) - This refers to someone who has a tendency to change their mind frequently and behave inconsistently.