The idiom “(as) cold as marble” is used to describe something or someone that is very cold, either physically or emotionally. It evokes the image of marble, a stone known for its cool and solid surface, which makes it a fitting metaphor for a lack of warmth, either in temperature or demeanor.
What does this idiom mean?
Definitions:
- “(As) cold as marble”: This expression is used to describe someone or something that is physically cold to the touch or emotionally distant, unfeeling, or unresponsive.
Examples of usage
Describing a very cold temperature:
“Raymond took Joanna’s hand. It was cold as marble, sending a shiver through him.”
“The floor in the old house was cold as marble, making it hard to walk barefoot.”
Describing a person’s emotional coldness:
“No one ever got a smile out of Caroline, who was as cold as marble.”
“He looked at her with eyes as cold as marble, as though he didn’t care about what she had to say.”
Describing a lack of warmth or emotion:
“Her reception was as cold as marble; she didn’t even acknowledge the gift I brought.”
“After the argument, he became as cold as marble, refusing to speak to anyone.”
How to use this idiom
Describing physical coldness:
“I could feel the wind cutting through me, cold as marble against my skin.”
“The water in the pool was cold as marble, making it impossible to swim comfortably.”
Describing emotional coldness:
“Her heart was as cold as marble after the betrayal, and she shut herself off from everyone.”
“He stared at the proposal with a face as cold as marble, showing no sign of interest.”
Related idioms
- Cold as ice: Describes someone who is emotionally distant, unfeeling, or very cold.
- Cold as stone: Similar to “cold as marble,” used to describe someone who is emotionally unresponsive or physically cold.
- Chilled to the bone: Refers to someone feeling very cold, either physically or emotionally.
- In the deep freeze: Used to describe someone being emotionally shut off or cold toward others.
Conclusion
The idiom “(as) cold as marble” vividly describes extreme coldness, either physical or emotional. It can be used to portray a situation where someone is emotionally distant or unfeeling, or simply to indicate that something is physically very cold. Whether describing a frigid atmosphere or a person with an icy demeanor, this phrase is an effective and evocative expression.
