The expression “blowing hot and cold” refers to someone who is inconsistent in their opinions, moods, and behavior. It is an old phrase that may have originated around 500 BC and can describe someone who changes their mind frequently, has mood swings, or vacillates in their opinions.
Blowing hot and cold is an idiomatic English expression that generally refers to a person who tends to be changeable in their opinions or moods. Such phrases generally take on a different meaning than the definition of the words themselves. For example, the words hot and cold will generally refer to temperature. To say that a person blows hot and cold, however, refers to his mood, his thoughts or her temperament.
Many phrases like this are centuries old. Some have roots in stories or superstitions passed down from generation to generation. The phrase blowing hot and cold probably does not refer to superstition or fear, but it is a very old expression that may have originated around 500 BC
When someone uses the expression to blow hot and cold in reference to another person, it is generally describing someone who often changes their mind. For example, a person who blows hot and cold may be undecided about which career she would like to pursue. He may also constantly change his mind about his preferences and favorites.
An individual who blows hot and cold might also be subject to constant mood swings. He might be feisty and animated, only to become grumpy and reserved the next day. He may show contentment and pleasure one day, then resentment or anger the next.
Blowing hot and cold can describe a person whose views on various issues are constantly changing. For example, someone who fits this description may say they are against public zoos. She may change her mind on this matter, however, and state that she believes keeping wild animals in a zoo setting is a good thing that she fully supports. The next week she may be saying that zoos have a negative impact and doesn’t believe they should exist. Vacillating in her opinions, it could be perceived as blowing hot and cold.
Inconsistencies in a person’s behavior and emotions can also feel like someone blowing hot and cold. For example, a man who pledges his love and devotion to a woman, then a few days later claims he is afraid of commitment and becomes emotionally detached, might be described as someone who blows hot and cold. This person can be loving and busy one day, then distant and cold the next. He could be described as someone who is likely to be hot and cold due to his changing emotional state.
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