Both idioms “(as) cold as a witch’s caress” and “(as) cold as a witch’s tit” are used to describe something or someone extremely cold, both in temperature and emotional tone. These expressions convey the idea of a chilling coldness, with a touch of dark humor or exaggeration.
What do these idioms mean?
Definitions:
- “(As) Cold as a witch’s caress”: Refers to a cold, chilling feeling, often used to describe someone’s demeanor or an atmosphere that feels icy or unfriendly.
- “(As) Cold as a witch’s tit”: Similar in meaning to the first expression, it emphasizes an extreme level of coldness. It is generally considered a more informal or slang version, and “tit” is a colloquial term that should be used cautiously due to its potential vulgar connotations.
Examples of usage
Describing a chilling temperature:
“The wind was as cold as a witch’s caress, making it hard to stay outside for too long.”
“She gave me a look as cold as a witch’s caress, and I felt an instant chill run down my spine.”
Describing an unfriendly or icy person:
“His response was as cold as a witch’s tit. It was like he didn’t care about the situation at all.”
“Her greeting was as cold as a witch’s caress—no warmth in her eyes, just a stiff smile.”
Describing an extremely cold setting:
“The room was as cold as a witch’s tit. No matter how much we turned up the heater, it didn’t seem to get any warmer.”
“After the storm, the air outside was as cold as a witch’s caress, biting and unforgiving.”
How to use these idioms
Describing a very cold temperature:
“The lake water was as cold as a witch’s tit, and no one dared to swim in it for more than a few seconds.”
“The morning air was as cold as a witch’s caress; even my breath froze in the air.”
Describing emotional coldness:
“She greeted me with a smile, but it was as cold as a witch’s caress—there was no real warmth in it.”
“His heart was as cold as a witch’s tit, and he didn’t seem to care about anyone else’s feelings.”
Caution on usage!
- The phrase “(as) cold as a witch’s tit” can be considered vulgar by some due to the word “tit,” so it is important to be mindful of the audience and context when using this idiom.
- Both idioms convey a strong sense of coldness, but “(as) cold as a witch’s caress” might be seen as a more polished, less informal way to express the same idea.
Related idioms
- Cold as ice: Very cold, emotionally distant, or unfeeling.
- Cold as stone: Emotionally distant or unfeeling; physically very cold.
- Chilled to the bone: To feel very cold, both physically and figuratively.
- In the deep freeze: A state of emotional coldness or unfriendliness.
Conclusion
Both idioms “(as) cold as a witch’s caress” and “(as) cold as a witch’s tit” describe extreme coldness, either in temperature or in emotional expression. The first is more formal and widely acceptable, while the second, although vivid, may be considered impolite or crude in some settings. Whether you’re describing a chilly environment or a person with an icy demeanor, these phrases effectively convey a sense of extreme coldness.
