The phrase “my blood runs cold” is often used to describe extreme fear or terror, usually caused by something violent or scary. It can also be used to describe the physical sensation of hypothermia. The expression has been used in literature and music, and it is recommended to avoid situations that could cause fear or hypothermia.
If you hear a person say the phrase “my blood runs cold,” it usually means they were scared shitless by something they saw, heard, or experienced. The statement indeed implies much more than just fright. In most cases the reference would be to abject terror, a terror bordering on hysteria or an overwhelming sense of impending doom.
Usually, the thought of cold flowing blood occurs due to actions performed by a human being. The description of a heinous crime, a particularly hateful comment, or the sight of something horrific might warrant the verbalization of such an expression. However, the effect could also come from viewing a scary scene in nature. Encountering a hungry grizzly bear in a deep forest could make a person’s blood run cold. Even a film, if steeped in enough violence or mayhem, could elicit the feeling of running cold blood.
Of course, there could also be a technicality when a person says their blood runs cold. Blood in the human body freezes at about 23 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to -5 degrees Celsius). That’s kind of a horrific image in itself, and the thought of your blood freezing solid might make your blood run cold if you think about it too deeply.
“Blood runs cold” is an idiomatic expression, most likely of American origin. It has almost become a cliché in books, short stories and song lyrics. English rock band, Def Leppard featured a track on their 1996 album “Slang” titled Blood Runs Cold. Also, on their 1981 best-selling album Freeze Frame, the American J. Geils Band included the phrase in the hit single “Centerfold”. Last but by no means least, a variation of “blood runs cold” was immortalized by author Truman Capote in his 1966 novel, In Cold Blood.
Then again, if your blood appears to be running a little cold, you may be suffering from the beginning stages of hypothermia. Hypothermia can be set in whenever the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Death from hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).
Therefore, to keep the blood from running cold, it is recommended that you dress warmly, avoid murder scenes, refrain from befriending serial killers, and avoid war zones. For some, refraining from repeated viewings of Night of the Living Dead is also a wise policy.
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