Winter isn’t just a season of snow and cold weather; it’s also a rich source of vivid idioms and expressions in the English language.
These phrases capture the essence of the season, from its chilling frosts to cozy moments by the fire. Whether you’re looking to enrich your vocabulary or spice up your winter-themed writing, these 20 winter idioms and expressions are perfect for understanding and conveying the seasonal spirit succinctly.
Idioms and Expressions About Winter
1. Break the ice
Meaning: To initiate conversation in an awkward or tense situation.
Example: He told a joke to break the ice.
2. Cold shoulder
Meaning: To deliberately ignore someone.
Example: She gave him the cold shoulder at the party.
3. Freeze over
Meaning: For a liquid to become solid from cold.
Example: The lake freeze over in January.
4. Snowed under
Meaning: Overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.
Example: I’m completely snowed under with reports.
5. Tip of the iceberg
Meaning: A small part of a much larger problem.
Example: The lost files were just the tip of the iceberg.
6. Dead of winter
Meaning: The coldest, darkest part of winter.
Example: It feels like the dead of winter today.
7. Put on ice
Meaning: To postpone or delay something.
Example: The project was put on ice until funding resumed.
8. Icebreaker
Meaning: Something done or said to relieve tension.
Example: We started with an icebreaker game.
9. Winter of discontent
Meaning: A period of dissatisfaction and unrest.
Example: That year was our winter of discontent.
10. Cold comfort
Meaning: Minimal or no consolation.
Example: His apology offered cold comfort.
11. To skate on thin ice
Meaning: To be in a risky situation.
Example: He’s skating on thin ice with his grades.
12. Chill to the bone
Meaning: Extremely cold.
Example: The wind chilled us to the bone.
13. Frosty reception
Meaning: An unfriendly or cold response.
Example: He received a frosty reception at the meeting.
14. Snowball effect
Meaning: Something that starts small but grows significantly.
Example: The rumor had a snowball effect.
15. Bundle up
Meaning: To wear enough clothing to stay warm.
Example: Bundle up; it’s cold out there.
16. Whiteout
Meaning: A severe snowstorm that reduces visibility.
Example: We got caught in a whiteout.
17. Winter blues
Meaning: A feeling of depression or sadness during the winter months.
Example: She often gets the winter blues.
18. To walk on ice
Meaning: To be in a precarious or delicate situation.
Example: You’re walking on ice with those comments.
19. Cold snap
Meaning: A sudden, brief period of cold weather.
Example: A cold snap hit overnight.
20. As cold as ice
Meaning: Very cold or lacking warmth (emotionally).
Example: Her stare was as cold as ice.
