in cold blood
Meaning
Deliberately and without emotion or mercy, especially when committing a violent act.
Origin
From the old idea that “cold” blood meant calmness and lack of passion (contrasted with “hot-blooded”). By the 18th century it was commonly used for deliberate, unfeeling violence.
Notes
Strong, condemnatory tone; most common with murder/violence, but can be used figuratively for ruthless acts. In casual contexts it may sound overly dramatic.
Examples
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The killer shot the clerk in cold blood and walked out without saying a word.
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She was shocked by how the animals were slaughtered in cold blood.
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He lied in cold blood to protect his reputation.
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The reporter described the attack as a crime committed in cold blood.
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I can’t believe he betrayed his closest friend in cold blood.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed prepositional phrase: usually used adverbially after verbs (e.g., kill/execute/attack in cold blood). Rarely pluralized or altered; sometimes appears as an adjunct clause: “in cold blood, he…”
Synonyms
- coldly
- ruthlessly
- mercilessly
- with premeditation
Antonyms
- in the heat of the moment
- in self-defense
- accidentally