cold
The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable
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2006
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© The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 2006, originally published by Oxford University Press 2006. (Hide copyright information)
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cold at a low temperature (literally and figuratively, see
in cold blood below).
cold comfort poor or inadequate consolation, with reference to a traditional view that charity is often given in a perfunctory or uncaring way.
Cold Comfort Farm is the title of a novel (1932) by Stella Gibbons, which depicts the fated, poverty-stricken, and generally uncomfortable rural lives of the Starkadder family and their matriarch, Aunt Ada Doom (see also
something nasty in the woodshed); the book was written as a parody of the work of such regional writers as Mary Webb (1881–1927).
cold dark matter matter consisting of massive particles of low energy, which is believed by some scientists to exist in the universe but which has not yet been directly observed.
cold deck in North American usage, a deck of cards which has been dishonestly arranged beforehand.
cold fusion nuclear fusion occurring at or close to room temperature. Claims for its discovery in 1989 are generally held to have been mistaken.
cold hands, warm heart outward signs may contradict the inward reality; saying recorded from the early 20th century.
the cold shoulder a show of intentional unfriendliness; rejection.
cold steel weapons such as swords or knives collectively.
cold turkey the abrupt and complete cessation of taking a drug to which one is addicted; the phrase derives from one of the symptoms, the development of ‘goose-flesh’ on the skin from a sudden chill, caused by this.
Cold War a state of political hostility existing between the Soviet bloc countries and the Western powers after the Second World War, characterized by threats, violent propaganda, subversive activities, and other measures short of open warfare.
in cold blood without feeling or mercy, ruthlessly. According to medieval physiology, blood was naturally hot, so this phrase refers to an unnatural state in which someone can do a (hot-blooded) deed of passion or violence without the normal heating of the blood.
in the cold light of day when one has had time to consider a situation objectively. The idea that ideas and enthusiasms may seem less appealing when examined thus is quite long established; in Thomas Hardy's
Jude the Obscure (1895), Sue says ruefully, ‘Things seem so different in the cold light of morning, don't they?’
See also
cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.
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Ozias Leduc et son grand oeuvre - la decoration de l'eglise Notre-Dame-de-la presentation-de-Shawinigan-sud.
Magazine article from: Historical Studies; 1/1/1998; 700+ words
; ...derniere decoration religieuse d'Ozias Leduc, celle qu'il consacra a l'interieur...excuser d'admirer la peinture religieuse de Leduc. Depuis le coup de barre donne par Jean...magnifique et recent catalogue, Ozias Leduc une oeuvre d'amour et de reve, Musee...
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Teachable moments - Leduc a lifelong mentor, friend.(Sports)
Newspaper article from: The Boston Herald; 10/4/2001; ; 700+ words
; ...After spending an afternoon with Benoit Leduc, it's easy to see how any kid would...Raymond Bourque was the perfect match for Leduc. When the young NHL hopeful first met...was willing to bust through a wall for Leduc every day since then, however, goes to...
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Rene Leduc: Pionnier de la propulsion reaction. (Book Reviews).
Magazine article from: Air Power History; 6/22/2002; ; 700+ words
; Rene Leduc: Pionnier de la propulsion reaction. By Jean Lacroze...obtained from archives, collectors, and a few of Leduc's contemporaries, the authors trace the development of Rene Leduc's aeronautical career and of his technological solutions...
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Literary trafficking: performing identity in Violette Leduc's "La Batarde."
Magazine article from: The Modern Language Review; 10/1/2003; ; 700+ words
; ...represent a rare sunny interlude in Violette Leduc's autobiographical narrative. In her best-selling La Batarde (1964), Leduc's narrator-protagonist thrives during...deadlocks, and misery that characterize Leduc's pre- and post-war autobiographical...
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George E. Leduc, 79.(DEATHS)
Newspaper article from: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA); 5/23/2008; 500 words
; WHITINSVILLE George E. Leduc, 79, of 33 Haringa Ave, Whitinsville...Nursing Center of Northbridge. Mr. Leduc was born in Uxbridge on August 7, 1928...the late Edward and Dorothy (Hewett) Leduc. He attended Uxbridge Public Schools...
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Effort to preserve LeDuc mansion a welcome start; But more funds needed to open Hastings treasure to the public.(NEWS)
Newspaper article from: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN); 6/25/1996; ; 700+ words
; ...his commissioner of agriculture, William Gates LeDuc. Thirteen years earlier, LeDuc had come home from the Civil War a general. Nearing...along the Hudson River reflected his influence. LeDuc and his wife had Downing's books. 1/3 The...
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A MAN WHO ENJOYS BEING TOYED WITH BOB LEDUC HAVING FUN IN RETIREMENT
Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe; 3/25/2001; ; 700+ words
; M ARLBOROUGH - Bob LeDuc knew he had hit the nail on the head when...a selection of small pieces or a kit. LeDuc spends 12 hours a day, seven days a week...It's my full-time retirement," LeDuc said with a laugh. Aside from four years...
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LeDuc lifts UMass again
Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe; 11/12/1995; ; 634 words
; ...AMHERST -- Throughout her career, Rachel LeDuc has come up big for the University of Massachusetts...team. Whenever UMass has needed a goal, LeDuc has been there, banging home 11 winning...in the muck and grime of Garber Field. LeDuc, of Longmeadow, slipped the ball past...
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Hope for this old house? The Minnesota Historical Society is seeking a buyer for Hastings' 1865 LeDuc House, believing a new owner can finally open it to the public.(NEWS)
Newspaper article from: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN); 6/8/2001; ; 700+ words
; ...Byline: Linda Mack; Staff Writer Anne LeDuc hadn't been in Minnesota before Monday...opened the tall wooden doors of the 1865 LeDuc House in Hastings. Her -great-grandparents William and Mary LeDuc built the 15-room Gothic Revival mansion...
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KNOWING HOW TO DRAW THE LINE JACQUES LEDUC: ON HIS MARK AT THE START
Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe; 3/24/2002; ; 700+ words
; Jacques LeDuc has competed in the Boston Marathon for...his start than his finish. But without LeDuc, the other runners wouldn't know where...s one of those times where it's OK, " LeDuc said with a chuckle. "I don't say it...
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Leduc, Paul
Dictionary entry from: International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers
LEDUC, Paul Nationality: Mexican. Born: Mexico...Animales 1850–1950 Publications By LEDUC: articles— Interview with Nelson...New York), vol. 16, no. 4, 1988. On LEDUC: books— Blanco, Jorge Ayala...
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Leduc, Ozias
Book article from: A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art
Leduc, Ozias (1864–1955). Canadian...knew him, notably Paul Borduas , who said Leduc showed him ‘the way from the spiritual...of illusion which leads into the future. Leduc's whole life shines with this magic illusion...
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Leduc
Book article from: The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition
Leduc , town (1991 pop. 13,970), central Alta., Canada, S of Edmonton. It is the center of the Leduc oil field (discovered 1947), which is now mostly depleted. The town is an oil storage and pumping station and also serves as an agricultural distribution center.
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Leduc, Fernand
Book article from: A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art
Leduc, Fernand. See AUTOMATISTES and PLASTICIENS .
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Decaë, Henri
Dictionary entry from: International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers
...xE0; rien (de Gastyne) (co) 1957 La Voix des anches (Leduc); De bouche à oreille (Leduc); Neuf à trois, ou la journée d'une vedette (Leduc); Piano, mon ami (Leduc); Confidences d'un piano (Leduc...
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