cold as charity
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
An ironic reference to the cold-hearted nature of much so-called charity, which should naturally be warm.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Adjective[edit]
cold as charity (not comparable)
- (simile, rare, humorous) Very cold, whether in temperature or in demeanour.
- 1883, Tinsley's magazine, conducted by E. Yates, volume 33, page 28:
- "Here's another funny thing I don't quite believe," he said; "a minute ago the tea was boiling hot, and now it's as cold as charity. But I mustn't forget it's winter; that's what's making my fingers tremble so. Jolly cold — jolly cold. Yes, jolly cold as charity sounds topsy-turvy."