Definition
冷若冰霜 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'cold as ice and frost'. It describes a person's attitude or demeanor as extremely cold, aloof, and unapproachable — often used for someone who is distant, unfriendly, or shows no warmth in social interactions. Unlike the English 'aloof', which can be neutral or even positive in some contexts, 冷若冰霜 carries a distinctly negative connotation of being harsh or unwelcoming.
idiom
icy cold in mannerfrostyaloof and unapproachable
Examples
- 冷若冰霜，。Tā duì rén zǒngshì lěng ruò bīng shuāng, hěn shǎo yǒu rén gǎn gēn tā shuōhuà.She is always icy toward people; very few dare to speak with her.
- 冷若冰霜，。Xīn lái de jīnglǐ tàidù lěng ruò bīng shuāng, yuángōng men dōu hěn jǐnzhāng.The new manager's attitude is frosty, and the employees are all nervous.
- 冷若冰霜，。Tā biǎomiàn lěng ruò bīng shuāng, qíshí nèixīn hěn shànliáng.He appears cold and aloof on the surface, but actually he's very kind inside.
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