What does “Blow hot and cold” mean?
"Blow hot and cold" means to keep changing one's opinion or attitude about something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He blows hot and cold when it comes to making decisions.
Example
She blows hot and cold about whether she wants to go on the trip.
Example
The boss blows hot and cold about giving raises to the employees
Is “Blow hot and cold” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Blow hot and cold” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Blow hot and cold” effectively in context?
You can use "Blow hot and cold" to describe someone who keeps changing their opinion or attitude about something. It implies inconsistency and indecisiveness. For example, if a friend is unsure about whether they want to go on a trip, you might say, 'She's blowing hot and cold about it. One minute she's excited, and the next she's not sure.'
- 1Relationships
He blows hot and cold when it comes to expressing his feelings for her.
- 2Decision Making
The committee blows hot and cold about approving the new project proposal.
- 3Management
The boss blows hot and cold about implementing new policies in the workplace.
Similar phrases to “Blow hot and cold”:
Flip-flop
To repeatedly change one's position or opinion
Example
The politician has a history of flip-flopping on important issues.
To be indecisive or uncertain
Example
She wavered between two options before making a decision.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Blow hot and cold” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Blow hot and cold" is unknown.
Is “Blow hot and cold” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Blow hot and cold" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone's inconsistent behavior or changing opinions.
What tone does “Blow hot and cold” have?
"Blow hot and cold" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It suggests that the person being described is unpredictable and unreliable.
Can “Blow hot and cold” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Blow hot and cold" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific type of behavior. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in professional contexts such as meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always blows hot and cold when it comes to making decisions.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She's really "blowing hot and cold" lately.' to imply inconsistency.
